Description
A cozy oven baked pasta layered with rich tomato sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, tender red onion, and creamy melted mozzarella, finished with fresh basil for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces dry wavy pasta ribbons
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, torn into pieces
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, whole
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, whole
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir tomato sauce, minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper into the pasta until evenly coated.
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
- Scatter half of the torn mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion over the pasta.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella, tomatoes, and onion. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden and the tomatoes are softened.
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes perfectly in the oven.
- Let the dish rest before serving to help the sauce settle.
- Tear mozzarella instead of slicing for better melting.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you prefer a little heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 35mg