A Quick and Affordable Weeknight Dinner: 5-Ingredient Pasta Bake

Introduction

As the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, our culinary priorities often shift from elaborate meals to quick, comforting options. For many of us, weeknights can be a real challenge when it comes to cooking dinner. However, this doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. In this article, we’ll explore a simple yet satisfying solution that’s perfect for busy weeknights: the 5-ingredient pasta bake.

Ingredients and Equipment

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

  • 250g pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
  • 1 can (400g) of crushed tomatoes
  • 120g grated mozzarella cheese
  • 60g grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Equipment:

  • Large saucepan for boiling pasta
  • Colander or strainer for draining pasta
  • Baking dish (approx. 20x20cm)
  • Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the pasta bake:

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare Tomato Sauce: In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the tomato sauce and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
  4. Assemble Bake: In a separate baking dish, combine the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
  5. Add Pasta Mixture: Pour the pasta mixture over the cheese in the baking dish. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
  6. Top & Bake: Sprinkle additional grated parmesan cheese on top of the bake if desired. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
  7. Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion

This 5-ingredient pasta bake is an excellent example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a satisfying meal that’s easy on the budget. By following this recipe, you’ll not only save time but also enjoy a delicious, comforting dinner that’s perfect for any day of the week.

**Want to share your favorite quick and affordable recipes? Let us know in the comments below!

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ingredient-pasta-bake-recipe easy-weeknight-dinner-ideas affordable-comfort-foods quick-italian-cuisine homemade-cheesy-delights