Baked Pasta Cheese With Tomatoes Recipe

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Baked Pasta Cheese with Tomatoes and Pesto! A twist on classic baked macaroni and cheese, this recipe features a vibrant basil pesto sauce that will have your family begging for more. Perfect for satisfying hungry teens (and adults!), this cheesy, comforting dish is surprisingly easy to make. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 55 mins
Calories 463.3 kcal
Protein 43g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Baked Pasta Cheese With Tomatoes

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Baked Pasta Cheese With Tomatoes

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • White Onion
  • Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
  • Half And Half Cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • Garlic
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Pepper

How to Make Baked Pasta Cheese With Tomatoes

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  8. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional).

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

25g

Fat

32g

Carbs

22g