Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy with just one bite - a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that's bursting with intense sun-dried tomato flavor and aromatic herbs. This Italian Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Bake is not just a meal; it's a culinary journey that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner or a passionate foodie seeking an authentic Italian experience, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Sun dried tomatoes
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Italian herbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Finely mince the garlic cloves. Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture, gently folding to coat every piece. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, distributing them evenly throughout the pasta.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional Italian herbs before serving for extra flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan for the most authentic flavor.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just shy of the package instructions to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Moisture Management: Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for creating a creamy, smooth texture without drying out the dish.
- Herb Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, toast your Italian herbs briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture.
- Cheese Crust Perfection: For a golden, crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set properly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 353kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 33mg
