Baked pasta with tomato sauce, béchamel, and cheese

Baked pasta with tomato sauce, béchamel, and cheese

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of baked pasta! This recipe combines the rich flavors of tomato sauce with the creaminess of béchamel sauce and the savory taste of cheese, creating a comforting and delightful dish, perfect for family meals or a dinner with friends.

Ingredients needed:

*For the pasta:*
- 300 g pasta (choose your favorite type: penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti)
- Salt (for water)

*For the tomato sauce:*
- 1 can of 400 g diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)

*For the béchamel sauce:*
- 250 ml milk
- 25 g butter
- 1 heaping tablespoon of flour
- Nutmeg (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)

*Additionally:*
- 150 g grated cheese (like Delaco Sofia or your favorite cheese)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the tomato sauce:

Start by preparing the tomato sauce, which will add a vibrant flavor to your pasta. Finely chop the onion and wash the carrot, then grate it using a fine grater. Peel the garlic cloves and crush or finely chop them.

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt. Let them sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and slightly golden.

Add the canned tomatoes and chopped garlic. Increase the heat and let the sauce boil for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the finely chopped basil and season with salt to taste. Your sauce is now ready!

2. Preparing the béchamel sauce:

Now, let's move on to the béchamel sauce, a creamy base that will give wonderful flavor to the pasta. In a small saucepan, melt 25 g of butter over low heat. Once the butter is completely melted, remove the saucepan from heat and add 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring quickly to avoid lumps.

Return the saucepan to the heat, gradually adding 250 ml of milk, continuously stirring with a whisk to achieve a smooth consistency. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Preparing the pasta:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil with 1 teaspoon of salt. When the water is boiling, add the pasta and let it cook according to the package instructions (usually between 8-10 minutes). When the pasta is al dente, drain it and mix it with the tomato sauce you prepared earlier.

4. Assembling and baking:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking. Spread the pasta and tomato sauce mixture evenly in the dish.

Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta, ensuring it covers everything evenly. Grate the cheese and generously sprinkle it over the béchamel sauce.

5. Bake and serve:

Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

When ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This baked pasta is delicious served hot but can also be great reheated.

Practical tips and variations:

1. Pasta types: Experiment with different types of pasta, such as farfalle or rigatoni, for a different texture.
2. Creative additions: You can add vegetables like zucchini or spinach to the tomato sauce for an extra boost of nutrients. You can also include ground meat or sausages for a heartier version.
3. Tomato sauce: If you have time, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned, which will bring an even more vibrant taste.
4. Serving: This pasta is excellent served with a fresh green salad and a slice of toasted bread with olive oil and garlic.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- How can I make the béchamel sauce easier? You can prepare a quick béchamel sauce using warm milk and flour in a blender to avoid manual whisking.

Nutritional benefits:

This pasta recipe is rich in carbohydrates from the pasta, but also in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and the béchamel sauce adds a source of calcium from the milk and cheese. Consuming pasta in your diet can provide the energy needed for an active day.

I hope this baked pasta recipe with tomato sauce, béchamel, and cheese brings a smile to your face and turns every meal into a celebration of flavor! Enjoy your meal!