Mozzarella & Tomato Pasta Bake

I love pasta bakes. I love that you can just assemble them and shove them in the oven and I love the gooey cheese on top. That's why I love this one - all that gooey stringy mozzarella!

This is a really (really) simple pasta bake but it's tasty, filling and a perfect family meal as the children love it too. You can easily add in other ingredients bacon or ham would work well in this, tuna, chicken, mushrooms...there are endless possibilities but personally I prefer just as it is.

This recipe will serve 4 if served with some salad/vegetables and some nice fresh crusty bread.

Mozzarella & Tomato Pasta Bake

Ingredients

300g penne
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
400g can finely chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato puree
150ml vegetable stock
2 tsp dried mixed herbs (I like Schwartz Italian Herb Seasoning)
freshly ground black pepper
130g ball of mozzarella, sliced

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 180c/fan 160c/gas 4.

Cook the pasta as directed on the pack, drain and set aside. Whilst the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan. Add the onion and garlic and fry for 5 minutes until the onion is starting to soften.

Stir in the tomatoes, puree, stock and herbs and season to taste with black pepper. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and cover and simmer for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix together. Transfer to an oven-proof dish.

Top with the sliced mozzarella and bake in the oven for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

This is where I show you what a glutton I really am...I think that this pasta bake could take way more mozzarella if you are that way inclined. (I am). It could easily take a little bit more on top and if I have any in the fridge, I like to scatter a handful or two of mozzarella pearls in with the pasta. I'm sure it's not healthy but I am a cheese addict!

love & kisses
Mrs M x