Are you craving a comforting and delicious meal to warm you up on a cool evening? Look no further than our recipe for Creamy Pasta Bake. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender pasta, a creamy and flavorful sauce, gooey cheese, and a crispy topping that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a cozy dinner with friends, this Creamy Pasta Bake is sure to be a hit. Let’s get started on making this delightful dish!
**Creamy Pasta Bake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can of crushed tomatoes (28 ounces)
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Season the beef mixture with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
9. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
This Creamy Pasta Bake is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, served with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite wine. The fusion of creamy sauce, flavorful beef, and gooey cheese combined with the pasta makes for a truly indulgent and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to please. Give it a try and let its comforting flavors warm both your heart and your belly! Enjoy!
