Baked Pasta

This baked pasta comes together quick. Serve with a green salad and you have an easy and fresh dinner on the table in no time!

Ingredients:

•12 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)

•2 tablespoons olive oil

•1 onion, finely chopped

•3 cloves garlic, minced

•1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

•1/2 cup heavy cream

•1 teaspoon dried oregano

•1 teaspoon dried basil

•1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to your spice preference)

•Salt and pepper to taste

•8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, diced or torn into small pieces

•1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

•Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or any similar-sized oven-safe dish.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Add the Crushed Tomatoes and Cream: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the saucepan, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy red sauce, and mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

6. Layer with Fresh Mozzarella: In the greased baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Sprinkle half of the diced fresh mozzarella over the pasta. Repeat the process with the remaining pasta and mozzarella.

7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and mozzarella layers.

8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top turns golden brown.

9. Remove the baked pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

10. Serve the creamy baked pasta with fresh mozzarella and red sauce as a comforting and delicious meal. It pairs well with a side salad and some garlic bread.