Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 40 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 620 cal
• 28g protein
• 68g carbs
• 28g fat
• 6g fiber

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Ingredients

• 1 lb short pasta such as rigatoni or penne
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 3/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for topping
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package time; drain and reserve a splash of pasta water.
2. 2While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and sauté the onion until translucent and sweet, 5 to 6 minutes.
3. 3Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring, until the paste darkens slightly and smells rich, about 1 minute.
4. 4Stir in crushed tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; simmer gently until the sauce thickens a bit and the fresh tomatoes soften, 8 to 10 minutes.
5. 5Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir until the sauce turns rosy and silky; fold in most of the chopped basil.
6. 6Combine the drained pasta with the creamy tomato sauce, adding a spoonful of reserved pasta water if it seems tight so every piece is coated.
7. 7Spread half the sauced pasta in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, dollop ricotta in spoonfuls across the layer, then add the remaining pasta.
8. 8Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan so the surface is fully covered for a golden crust.
9. 9Bake at 375°F until the edges bubble and the cheese is melted and spotted golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
10. 10Rest 5 minutes, shower with remaining fresh basil, and scoop into bowls while the cream sauce is still lush and stretchy.