Baked penne with mozzarella and tomatoes

Baked Penne with Mozzarella and Tomatoes: A Delicious, Flavorful, and Comforting Recipe

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Welcome to the world of pasta! Today, I'm sharing a savory recipe for baked penne with mozzarella and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting family dinner or to impress friends. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, even for those with little kitchen experience. Let's get started!

A Brief History of the Recipe

Pasta has a long and fascinating history, being a staple food in many cultures around the world. This baked penne recipe combines the tradition of pasta with fresh ingredients and flavorful vegetables, creating a comforting and tasty dish. This version is ideal for those who appreciate light and healthy flavors without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

- 200-300 g short pasta (about 1/2 package)
- 4 large tomatoes or 3 cans of tomatoes
- 1 large carrot
- 2 red onions
- 2 white onions
- 4 large cloves of garlic
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ball of mozzarella (125 g, optional)
- 2 red bell peppers
- Fresh and dried basil
- Marjoram
- Parsley
- 1 teaspoon curry
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon vegeta
- A pinch of turmeric
- A pinch of sumac
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 150 g parmesan or cheese for gratin (Emmental, cheddar)

Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by chopping the vegetables. Use a food processor or chopper to finely chop the bell pepper, carrot, and onion. This technique ensures a smoother and more uniform sauce, making your penne truly delicious.

Step 2: Cook the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden. Add the onions, carrot, and bell pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.

Add the peeled tomatoes (without skin) and the chosen herbs (basil, parsley, marjoram). Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces well. Finally, add the tomato paste and spices (curry, sweet paprika, vegeta, turmeric, sumac). Taste and adjust the salt, but be careful not to add too much, as the cheese will also contribute saltiness.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, bay leaves, coriander, and a garlic clove to flavor the water. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook for about 10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Mix the Pasta with the Sauce

After the pasta is cooked, drain it and immediately mix it with half of the sauce and a generous handful of grated parmesan or cheese. I prefer to use more sauce and cheese, keeping the pasta quantity lower for a creamier texture.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Layer half of the pasta in the dish, followed by half of the remaining sauce, chopped basil, parmesan, and half of the mozzarella sliced or cubed. Add another layer of pasta, sauce, cheese, and the rest of the mozzarella.

Bake everything in the oven for 15 minutes until the top is golden and appetizing.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the penne hot, alongside a glass of white or red wine that will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Tips and Tricks

- For extra flavor: You can add some chopped green or black olives to the sauce for an added kick.
- Variations: Instead of mozzarella, you can use goat cheese or feta for a more intense taste. Additionally, adding sautéed mushrooms or zucchini will bring a touch of freshness and variety.
- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A serving of baked penne with mozzarella contains approximately 400-500 calories but is rich in fiber due to the vegetables and whole pasta, providing considerable nutritional value.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Yes, whole grain pasta will add greater nutritional value.
- What can I do with leftovers? You can freeze leftovers for a quick meal on busy days.

This baked penne with mozzarella and tomatoes recipe is not just a delicious way to enjoy pasta but also an opportunity to explore varied, healthy, and comforting flavors. So, I encourage you to try it and enjoy the fantastic aroma and texture it offers! Bon appétit!