Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 40 min cook

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1.5 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves for topping

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package time. Drain and set aside.
2. 2While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook 5 to 6 minutes until translucent and lightly golden at the edges.
3. 3Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 45 seconds until fragrant.
4. 4Pour in the crushed tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the fresh tomatoes soften.
5. 5Reduce heat to low. Whisk in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth, glossy, and pale orange-pink with no cream cheese lumps.
6. 6Fold in half of the Parmesan, half of the mozzarella, and the chopped basil until the cheeses melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
7. 7Add the drained pasta and toss thoroughly so every piece is coated in the creamy tomato-basil sauce.
8. 8Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
9. 9Bake uncovered 18 to 22 minutes until the edges bubble vigorously and the cheese is melted with golden-brown spots.
10. 10Broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes if you want a deeper golden crust, watching closely so it does not burn.
11. 11Rest the bake 5 to 8 minutes so it sets for cleaner scoops. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves and serve family-style while hot and stretchy.