Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake
Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a yummy meal that's kind to your wallet? This Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake is comfort food at its finest! It's proper comfort food on a budget and tastes amazing.
Brief Overview
This bake is based on Italian flavours but is made to be affordable. It's easy to make and perfect for a weeknight.
This budget pasta recipe is so simple and the recipe yields 6 servings.
Main Benefits
This recipe is packed with carbs for energy and is an easy family meal . Serve it at a family dinner or when friends come over, it's a party dish.
What makes it special? It's the creamy tomato sauce so lush.
Right, let's get into the nitty gritty. This easy summer dinner recipe is a total winner. We all love a good pasta bake recipe , especially when it doesn’t cost a fortune.
Honestly, this dish is my go-to when I'm craving something warm and comforting but am looking for cheap recipes to try.
This recipe, inspired by budgetbytes.com , will be ready in 45 minutes. I swear, the smell alone is enough to make your day better.
When I was first learning to cook, I was always searching quick dinner ideas .
It is easy to adapt. If you have vegetarian friends, you can add vegetables. It's also one of those under $10 dinner recipes that feels way more luxurious than it is.
You know? The best part is you likely have most of the ingredients in your cupboard already. This Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake it could also be one of your cheap summer meals .
Now, let's look at all the bits we need. If you are in the mood to eat dairy free meals , don't worry, that is possible with our substitutions list.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right then, let's talk ingredients for this gorgeous Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake! It's all about making yummy meals without spending a fortune. Honestly, this is one of my go-to cheap recipes .
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need. Don't worry, you probably have half this stuff already! This recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for easy family meals !
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your fave short pasta. Penne, rotini, whatever you fancy.
- Water: 8 cups (2 liters) for boiling the pasta. Don't forget the salt!
- Salt: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the pasta water. Salty water makes tasty pasta.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) Good quality makes a difference, but don't stress.
- Onion: 1 medium , chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Brown onions are great here.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce/800g) can . Whole plum tomatoes work in a pinch. Just crush them!
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce/425g) can . Adds richness.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Essential Italian flavour.
- Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon . More Italian goodness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional). Adds a wee kick!
- Salt: ½ teaspoon . Taste and adjust.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground is best, innit?
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , softened. This is the secret ingredient!
- Milk: ½ cup (120ml) . Makes it all creamy and dreamy.
- Mozzarella Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , shredded. The cheesier the better, I reckon!
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons (10g) , grated (optional). Adds a nutty, salty flavour.
For the tomatoes, go for a decent brand if you can. It really does make a difference to the flavour.
If you are looking for some cheap summer meals this recipe is a great pick.
Seasoning Notes
Oregano and basil are the classic combo here. If you only have Italian seasoning, that'll do! Red pepper flakes give it a nice warmth.
For something dairy free meals simply use cream cheese alternatives. This simple bake tastes like comfort food on a budget .
Equipment Needed
Honestly, you don't need much for this easy summer dinner recipes .
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta, obviously.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Large Skillet or Saucepan: For making the sauce.
- 9x13 inch (23x33cm) Baking Dish: The bigger, the better!
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Pretty self explanatory.
- Mixing Spoon: For stirring it all together.
Don't have a baking dish? A large oven safe frying pan will do the trick! We are making these under $10 dinner recipes work.
Alright, let's dive into the joy that is a Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake! Honestly, this is the ultimate in comfort food on a budget .
You can throw this together faster than you can say "pizza night," and it's way more satisfying, you know? It's perfect for those easy family meals when everyone's starving and you're short on time.
Plus, it's a great way to use up bits and bobs lurking in your fridge. Let's get started!
Cooking Method: Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake Magic
This isn't rocket science. This recipe is so easy you can't mess it up. Trust me.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Boss
First things first, chop that onion and mince the garlic. Seriously, essential mise en place is key. Get your ingredients measured out, your pasta water ready.
Doing all this before you start makes everything smoother than a Barry White song. And always use oven gloves when handling hot dishes.
Seriously.
Step-by-Step Process: From Hob to Heaven
- Cook the pasta: Chuck the pasta into a large pot of boiling, salted water. Cook until al dente. Don't overcook, soggy pasta is a nightmare. Drain well.
- Sauté the goods: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 5 minutes . Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the sauce: Stir in 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 15 ounces of tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon of dried basil, 0.25 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a kick!), 0.5 teaspoon of salt, and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes , stirring occasionally.
- Get Creamy: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup of milk until smooth and creamy. Honestly, this step is what makes it chef's kiss .
- Combine and bake: Mix the cooked pasta into the creamy tomato sauce, then pour everything into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top it off: Sprinkle with 0.5 cup of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Cool Down: Let the bake stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Bake
- Don't skip softening the cream cheese. Seriously, warm it slightly in the microwave. This makes all the difference.
- If you're short on time, use a jar of pre-made pasta sauce. Just doctor it up with some extra garlic and herbs to make it taste homemade. This is definitely one of our quick dinner ideas for busy evenings.
- This is one of those easy summer dinner recipes that can easily be adapted for dairy free meals . Simply swap the cream cheese, milk and any cheese for dairy free alternatives.
- This is one of the cheap recipes I fall back on, it's great because you can prep this in advance. Assemble it and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Honestly, that's saved my bacon more than once.
So there you have it! A creamy, dreamy, and budget friendly pasta bake that's guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. This recipe is so flexible.
Add some veggies, swap out the cheese, make it meaty whatever floats your boat. I know, it's a winner when you are looking for yummy meals on a budget!
Recipe Notes: Making This Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake Your Own
Right then, you've got the recipe for this smashing Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake. Now, let's chat about how to make it your signature dish.
Here are a few notes to help you along the way.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Fancy pants plating isn't needed. Honestly, this dish is pure comfort food on a budget . But, a sprinkle of fresh basil? Chef's kiss .
Some crusty garlic bread on the side is always a winner. And a simple green salad cuts through the richness perfectly.
Job done! For drinks, a simple glass of water or a nice glass of red wine would go nicely together!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This bake is even better the next day.
- Refrigeration: Pop it in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then wrap it well in foil or place in a freezer safe container. It'll keep for up to 2 months. Defrost fully before reheating. This is one of the cheap recipes that keeps on giving.
- Reheating: Oven's best for reheating, but the microwave works in a pinch. Just make sure it's piping hot all the way through. I've got some great quick dinner ideas and this is one of my favorites.
Variations: Tweak it to Your Taste
Want to mix things up? Easy peasy.
- Dairy Free: No worries! Swap the cream cheese for a plant based version and ditch the mozzarella. Use dairy free milk too. This makes it one of the best dairy free meals out there.
- Seasonal Swaps: In summer, add some fresh, chopped tomatoes and courgette to the sauce. It's ideal for those easy summer dinner recipes we all crave.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff
Okay, let's keep it real. This isn't a kale smoothie. But it's proper filling and satisfying. You get a decent whack of carbs for energy, some protein from the cheese and pasta, and fiber from the tomatoes.
Think of it as a budget pasta recipe that's good for the soul. It falls easily under $10 dinner recipes .
It is among those yummy meals that you will start craving.
So there you have it! This Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake is all about ease, flavour, and value. Don't be afraid to play around with it and make it your own.
It's one of those easy family meals that everyone will love. Honestly, even if you think cooking isn't your thing, this recipe is a winner.
Give it a go, you might surprise yourself!. You can try adding tomato paste instead of crushed tomatoes. Trust me, you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this creamy tomato pasta bake one of your best cheap recipes?
Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be budget friendly. Using canned tomatoes, affordable pasta, and a touch of cream cheese means you can feed a family without breaking the bank. It's a great way to use up store cupboard staples and create a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Can I freeze this pasta bake for later? I'm always looking for easy cheap recipes to batch cook!
You certainly can! Prepare the pasta bake up to the point of baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
If baking from frozen, you might need to add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
How can I make this recipe even cheaper?
To make this recipe even more budget friendly, consider using own-brand pasta and tinned tomatoes. You can also bulk out the sauce with finely chopped vegetables like carrots or celery, which are often cheaper than onions.
Also, if you are a cheese lover consider going for mature cheddar instead of Parmesan; it brings the flavour and reduces the cost.
I'm not a huge fan of cream cheese. Can I substitute it with something else?
No worries! You can definitely substitute the cream cheese. Ricotta cheese works really well and adds a lovely creaminess. Alternatively, you could use mascarpone for an even richer flavour.
If you're trying to keep it lighter, a dollop of Greek yogurt can also work, just be sure to stir it in off the heat to prevent it from splitting.
My kids are fussy eaters. Any tips for getting them to eat this?
Ah, the age-old question! Finely chop any vegetables you add to the sauce so they're less noticeable. You can also try using fun pasta shapes to make it more appealing. A sprinkle of extra cheese never hurts, and serving it with some garlic bread or a side of steamed green beans might encourage them to give it a try.
You could even get them involved in making it they're often more likely to eat something they've helped create!
What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave. For the oven, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For the microwave, place a portion in a microwave safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until piping hot.
Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.
