Family Favourite: Pasta Bake

Although not generally regarded as the most healthy and diet friendly dish in the world, nobody on this earth can deny that a pasta bake is one of the most delicious dishes you can have.

You can literally make a pasta bake out of anything as long as you have pasta, cheese and a few basic ingredients. This makes it a perfect dish to whip up in the week before payday, or if you’re just in the mood for some delightful comfort food.

This pasta bake can also double as a fabulous dinner served with salad and garlic bread. We highly recommend making a large portion for dinner and bringing the leftovers in a container for lunch the following day.

This particular recipe is easy, cheap and only takes 30 minutes and one pot, so it really couldn’t be any easier.

You will need:

• 1 packet of fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Whichever shape takes your fancy.
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup some fresh basil pesto.
• 1-2 jars of you favourite tomato based pasta sauce. (Yes we’re cheating, it’s easier)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained)
• Some feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 ounces/55g of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup cream (optional)
• salt + pepper to taste
• A few handfuls of grated cheddar or mozzarella…or both
• fresh basil, for serving
• cherry tomatoes, halved, for serving

Method

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta to al dente.
• Drain the pasta and add it right back to the hot pot.
• To the pot add the butter, pesto, pasta sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, cream cheese and cream.
• Season with pepper and a tiny pinch of salt. Using a large wooden spoon toss everything together until a creamy sauce has formed, about 3-5 minutes.
• If pot is not oven safe, transfer the pasta to a large baking dish.
• Place the grated cheese on top of the pasta.

Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, then turn the grill on and grill for a few minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil. Allow to sit five minutes and then serve with fresh tomatoes.

If you do happen to have any leftover after dinner, store the leftovers in a container for tomorrow’s lunch and microwave for 3 minutes when needed. Ensure your pasta is piping hot the whole way through before eating. Enjoy.