Creamy Pasta Bake: A Simple Dairy Dinner Everyone Will Love

Looking for a simple dairy dinner that's comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor? This baked pasta combines a rich tomato cream sauce, fresh basil, garlic, and plenty of melted cheese for a family friendly meal that's hard to resist. It's easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve when guests come over.

Creamy Baked Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 package pasta, preferably rotini or another twisted pasta shape
• 5 ounces tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ripe tomatoes
• 4 fresh basil leaves
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Shredded mozzarella or yellow cheese, to taste

Optional Toppings

• Fresh basil leaves
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Sliced mushrooms
• Chili flakes or chili seasoning

Directions

Peel and finely chop the garlic.

Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the tomatoes for a few seconds. Transfer them to cold water, peel off the skins, and chop the tomatoes.

Roughly chop the basil leaves.

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook briefly, stirring constantly so it does not burn. Add the olive oil and stir for a few more seconds.

Add the chopped tomatoes and basil, then stir well.

Add the butter, tomato paste, sugar, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined.

Pour in the heavy cream and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the dry pasta to the pot and mix well so it is coated with the sauce. Pour in enough water to just cover the pasta.

Bring to a boil, cover the pot, and cook for about 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Meanwhile, grease a baking dish, preferably glass or ceramic.

Transfer the cooked pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Top generously with mozzarella or your favorite shredded cheese. Add any optional toppings you like, then sprinkle a little extra oregano over the top. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.

Preheat the oven to 475°F.

Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Serve hot and enjoy.

A Simple Comfort Food Favorite

With its creamy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey melted cheese, this baked pasta is the perfect addition to any dairy meal. Best of all, it comes together with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.