Cheesy Tomato Pasta Bake

Calling all cheese lovers and budget-conscious cooks! This Cheesy Tomato Pasta Bake is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s bursting with flavor, thanks to a simple tomato sauce and a generous helping of melty cheese, all for under $10. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 12 ounces (about 3 cups) of your favorite pasta shape (penne, rigatoni, fusilli – the choice is yours!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced (think small cubes)
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced (the more garlic, the more garlicky!)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes – undrained, because all that tomato juice adds flavor
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) tomato sauce – your favorite brand will do
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – for that classic Italian touch
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – another Italian herb essential
• Salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy, season to your heart’s content
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – get ready for cheese pulls!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a salty, nutty depth
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional) – a pop of green adds freshness

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it up – you don’t want any sticking.
2. Time to cook the pasta! Follow the package instructions for al dente perfection. Drain the pasta and set it aside for a moment.
3. Now for the cheesy magic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook until it’s softened and translucent – about 5 minutes. Patience is key here!
4. Once the onion is happy, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting that garlicky goodness fill the air.
5. Here comes the saucy part! Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices!) and the tomato sauce. Don’t forget to add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Now that the sauce is simmering and smelling amazing, add the cooked pasta back to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
7. Ready to bake? Transfer half of the cheesy pasta mixture to your greased baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. We’re layering for even distribution of cheesy goodness.
8. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Now it’s a beautiful cheesy mountain!
9. To prevent any drying out while baking, cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
10. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese and golden brown edges – that’s when you know it’s perfect.
11. Once baked, take that cheesy masterpiece out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Nobody likes burnt tongues!
12. Feeling fancy? Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

There you have it! A delicious, budget-friendly Cheesy Tomato Pasta Bake that’s perfect for feeding a family, taking to a potluck, or simply enjoying a comforting meal at home.