Creamy Baked Pasta with Cheese & Tomatoes
This quick and easy pasta bake is a cheesy, creamy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds! With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
For the Pasta Base
✅ 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
✅ 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
✅ 1 cup cooked chicken or ham (optional)
✅ ½ cup bell peppers, diced
✅ ½ cup onions, finely chopped
For the Sauce
✅ 2 cups heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
✅ 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
✅ ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
✅ 2 tbsp butter
✅ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✅ Salt & pepper to taste
For Topping
✅ ½ cup mozzarella cheese
✅ ¼ cup parmesan cheese
✅ Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute until golden.
- Slowly add cream (or milk) while stirring continuously.
- Mix in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add mozzarella and parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
- In a baking dish, mix cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, chicken/ham, bell peppers, and onions.
- Pour the cheesy sauce over and mix well.
- Sprinkle extra mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake & Serve
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot!
Tips & Variations
✅ Make it Vegetarian – Skip the meat and add mushrooms or zucchini.
✅ Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
✅ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta & flour for the sauce.
✅ Lighter Version – Use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fats: 22g
Health Benefits
🧀 Rich in Protein & Calcium – Thanks to cheese and milk.
🍅 Packed with Antioxidants – Tomatoes provide lycopene for heart health.
🌿 Balanced Meal – Carbs from pasta, protein from cheese/meat, and vitamins from veggies.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Q: What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
A: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best since they hold the sauce well.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Would you like more variations or a side dish recommendation? 😊