Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake: Simple Comfort Food

This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a creamy sauce creates a truly irresistible dish that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and creamy sauce is a flavor explosion in every bite.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.
* **Comforting:** A warm and cheesy pasta bake is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** This dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and bake it later, making it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pasta:** Use your favorite type of pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. About 1 pound (450g) is needed.
* **Cherry Tomatoes:** Fresh cherry tomatoes are the star of this dish. Look for ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Approximately 1 pint (500g) is required.
* **Garlic:** Garlic adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the sauce. 3-4 cloves minced.
* **Fresh Basil:** Fresh basil is essential for that classic Italian flavor. Use about 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil.
* **Heavy Cream:** Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce. 1 1/2 cups.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish. Grated, about 1 cup.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Mozzarella cheese provides a melty and gooey topping. Shredded, about 1 1/2 cups.
* **Olive Oil:** Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and tomatoes. 2 tablespoons.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, for seasoning.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake:

**Step 1: Cook the Pasta**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This means the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the bake.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they start to soften and release their juices. You can gently crush some of the tomatoes with a spoon to help them release more flavor.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

**Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake**

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the tomato sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
3. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Use cooking spray or lightly grease with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

**Step 4: Bake the Pasta**

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown.
2. Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

1. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired.
2. Serve the Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake warm and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Pasta Bake

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Al dente pasta is key to preventing a mushy pasta bake.
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** Fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** You can add more or less cream, cheese, or seasonings to suit your taste.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Feel free to add other vegetables, proteins, or cheeses to customize the recipe.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the pasta bake to cool for a few minutes before serving will help the flavors meld together.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Add Protein:** Cooked chicken, Italian sausage, ground beef, or shrimp are all great additions to this pasta bake.
* **Add Vegetables:** Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant can be added to the tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Try using ricotta cheese, provolone cheese, or fontina cheese instead of or in addition to mozzarella and Parmesan.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a little heat.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Oregano, thyme, or rosemary can be used in place of or in addition to basil.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Omit the meat and use a plant-based cream and cheese alternative.
* **Add a Breadcrumb Topping:** Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and herbs and sprinkle over the top of the pasta before baking.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake can be assembled ahead of time and baked later. Simply follow the recipe instructions up to the point of baking. Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover pasta bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes?**

Yes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes. Use about 28 ounces (800g) and drain off any excess liquid.

* **Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?**

While fresh basil is preferred for its flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil.

* **Can I freeze the pasta bake?**

Yes, you can freeze the pasta bake before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the pasta bake in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing after baking, let the pasta bake cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

* **What kind of pasta is best for pasta bake?**

Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, and ziti are all good choices for pasta bake because they hold their shape well and the sauce clings to them nicely.

* **Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?**

Milk will not provide the same richness as heavy cream. You *can* use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as creamy. If you use milk, consider adding a tablespoon of butter to the sauce to enrich it.

## Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound (450g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pint (500g) cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, Italian sausage, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and juices are released, crushing some tomatoes.
5. Pour in heavy cream and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and tomato sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
8. Pour pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
11. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Tomato & Basil Pasta Bake!