Tomato pasta bake is a classic Italian dish, made with tomato sauce, pasta and cheese. It's a favorite of Jamie Oliver, the celebrity chef, who has put his own twist on it. This dish is an easy way to make a delicious meal that's sure to please the whole family. It's also a great way to use up leftovers, as you can easily switch up the ingredients for whatever you have on hand.
The key to making a great tomato pasta bake is to use the freshest tomatoes you can find. Choose ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavor. You'll also need some good-quality dried pasta and a good-quality tomato sauce. The sauce should be thick and full of flavor, so it's worth spending a bit of extra money on a good-quality brand. For cheese, Parmesan or Mozzarella are the best choices.
How to Make Tomato Pasta Bake Jamie Oliver
This recipe is easy to make and comes together quickly. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, heat a large pot of salted water to boiling and add the dried pasta. Boil the pasta for 10 minutes, or until it's al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and then add the diced tomatoes. Cook the tomatoes for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and beginning to break down. Add the tomato sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
When the sauce is done, add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir to combine. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese. Bake the pasta for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot.
Tips for Making the Best Tomato Pasta Bake
For the best flavor, use the freshest tomatoes you can find. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes. For the cheese, Parmesan or Mozzarella both work well, but Parmesan will give you a richer flavor. Cook the sauce for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. You can also add additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to the sauce. Finally, be sure to use a good-quality tomato sauce for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of tomatoes should I use for tomato pasta bake?
For the best flavor, use ripe, red tomatoes for the tomato pasta bake. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes.
Can I use any type of pasta for tomato pasta bake?
Yes, any type of dried pasta will work for tomato pasta bake. Choose a good-quality brand for the best flavor.
What kind of cheese should I use for tomato pasta bake?
For cheese, Parmesan or Mozzarella are the best choices. You can also use a combination of the two cheeses for a richer flavor.
How long do I need to cook the tomato sauce?
For the best flavor, cook the tomato sauce for at least 10 minutes. This will give the flavors time to develop.
Can I add additional vegetables to the tomato pasta bake?
Yes, you can add additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or spinach, to the tomato sauce for a more flavorful dish.
