Cheesy Tomato Pasta Bake
A simple, easy and quick dinner - perfect for leftovers the next day, or cooking ahead ready to bake later on
INGREDIENTS
1 small or half a large onion, diced
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon garlic puree (or 2 cloves of garlic chopped)
1 teaspoon mixed herbs
1 x tin plum tomatoes
Salt and pepper
100g cream cheese
200g mozzarella, sliced
320g pasta
METHOD
1. Fry the onion in a pan with oil over a medium heat for 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and mixed herbs - cook for 1 min.
3. Add the plum tomatoes, bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer until the tomatoes have broken down to a thick sauce consistency.
4. Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir to mix well.
5. Cook the pasta as per manufacturer instructions.
6. Add the pasta to the cheesy tomato sauce and mix it well.
7. To finish…
If you have an oven: pour saucy pasta on a greased ovenproof dish and spread sliced mozzarella on top. Place in a hot oven or under the grill until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
If you do not have an oven: Put the sliced mozzarella on top of the cheesy pasta, put a lid on the saucepan, return to a low heat and cook for a further 6-8 minutes, until the mozzarella on top is melted.
TIPS FROM THE CHEF
This is a really versatile dish, and serves as a great base for you to add any ingredients that you have and that your family enjoy.
You can replace the sliced mozzarella with any other cheese. You could add some fresh herbs, spinach, diced bacon, chicken or chilli to the pasta to add different flavours, for example.
It also would be a great option to save some left overs in the fridge for a filling lunch the next day. Grill, bake, or just let the cheese melt on top - each will add an extra layer of delicious to your family meal.
You could make a meat based version, by adding in meat of your choice.
Choose whichever fresh or frozen vegetables you wish - all would make an excellent addition to the meal and provide an extra boost of nutrients. Aim for a rainbow of colour of fruit or vegetables each day.
