Description

This cozy Pasta al Forno is the ultimate comfort food—a baked pasta casserole loaded with tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for Sunday family dinners, potlucks, or any night you crave a hearty dish. A must-have for your collection of easy dinner recipes, chicken dinner recipes (if you add protein), and recipes to try. #healthyrecipes #easybakedrecipes #dinnerideas #simplehighproteinmeals #quickdinnerrecipes #recipesappetizersandsnacks

Ingredients

Units Scale

12 ounces pasta
1/4 cup pasta water
16 ounces cherry tomatoes
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup fresh basil
3 cups mozzarella, shredded and sliced
8 garlic cloves, smashed
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, add olive oil, smashed garlic, cherry tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer and burst tomatoes with a spoon.
Stir in the reserved pasta water and fresh basil. Simmer 20–25 minutes until slightly thickened.
In a large baking dish, layer pasta, sauce, and cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

The sauce thickens better in a wide pan.
Crushed red pepper and basil balance the tomato’s acidity.
Alternate shredded and sliced mozzarella for texture contrast.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 449 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 640 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg