Forget bland weeknight dinners. This incredibly creamy and indulgent pasta bake, bursting with rich tomato and a serious garlic kick, is about to become your new culinary obsession. It's the ultimate hug on a plate, combining familiar comfort with bold, exciting flavours.
Why This Cheesy Pasta Bake Is A Weeknight Winner
This isn't just another pasta dish. It's a carefully crafted recipe designed for maximum flavour with minimal fuss. The magic lies in the powerful trio of tomato purée, double cream, and a generous amount of garlic that forms a luxuriously smooth and punchy sauce. Baked until golden and bubbling, it's the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pasta: Rigatoni or penne are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- The Flavour Base: Olive oil, a large onion, and a whopping four cloves of garlic.
- The Punchy Kick: Tomato purée and chilli flakes (adjust to your heat preference).
- The Creamy Element: Double cream for an unbeatably rich and silky texture.
- The Cheese: A combination of mature cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for that iconic stretch.
- The Fresh Finish: Basil to garnish, adding a fresh, aromatic touch.
How To Make Your Perfect Pasta Bake
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your rigatoni in salted water until al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven, so don't overdo it!
- Create the Sauce: Soften finely chopped onion in olive oil, then add the garlic until fragrant. Stir in the tomato purée and chilli flakes, cooking for a few minutes to deepen the flavour.
- Combine & Cream: Reduce the heat and pour in the double cream, stirring to create a vibrant orange sauce. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Cheese Please: Fold the drained pasta into the sauce along with most of the grated cheddar, reserving some for the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella, and bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20-25 minutes until gloriously golden.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness.
Chef's Tips For The Best Results
Don't Skip the Al Dente: Slightly undercooking the pasta is crucial. It absorbs the sauce and finishes cooking in the oven, preventing a mushy bake.
Garlic Lovers Rejoice: Feel free to add even more garlic for an extra punch. The recipe is forgiving for true garlic enthusiasts.
Make It Your Own: Add a handful of spinach wilted into the sauce, or some cooked pancetta for a smoky twist. This recipe is a fantastic base for experimentation.
This dish proves that simple ingredients, when combined with care, can create something truly spectacular. It’s comfort food, elevated. Perfect for a family dinner, yet impressive enough for casual entertaining. What are you waiting for? Your new favourite meal is just one bake away.
