Creamy Tomatobasil Cavatappi Bake

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered what makes a pasta dish truly unforgettable? This cavatappi recipes bake is your answer. It is a creamy, tomato basil dream that's both comforting and a little bit fancy.

Brief Overview

This pasta dish is an Italian American classic. It's about turning simple ingredients into something special. This recipe is of medium difficulty, taking about 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish.

It yields 6 generous servings. That's enough for the whole family or a cozy dinner party!

Main Benefits

This hearty pasta recipe is packed with flavour and comfort. It's perfect for a weekend dinner or any occasion that calls for easy cavatappi recipes .

What makes it special is the homemade tomato sauce. It is infused with fresh basil and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Get Ready for Some Serious Cork Screw Pasta Recipes

Ready to dive into some pasta goodness? Let’s do it! This cavatappi recipes creation starts with building layers of flavour. It is all about that rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta.

First up are the stars of the show. We're talking olive oil, onions, and garlic. Then come the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.

Don't forget the oregano, red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave), and a touch of sugar. A secret ingredient for balancing the acidity.

We have to simmer it all down until it is fragrant and delicious.

What You Need for This Baked Cavatappi Pasta Recipe

Alright, let's gather our troops. You'll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 pound cavatappi pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Don't worry if you need to tweak some ingredients. Cooking is all about experimenting! Sub the basil for spinach if you like, or add a bit more spice.

Creamy Cavatappi Recipes: It's All About That Sauce

Honestly, the sauce is where the magic happens. It is a blend of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Remember, good tomatoes make a huge difference. San Marzano are the gold standard if you can find them. Also, don't be shy with the basil.

That's what will makes your dish pop and taste amazing!

Let's get cooking!

This cavatappi pasta dinner ideas is for that perfect crowd pleasing meal! A fantastic dish for the whole family.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear, Shall We?

So, you wanna whip up some creamy cavatappi recipes ? Brilliant choice! It's proper comfort food, isn't it? Like a warm hug on a plate.

Before we get started, let's run through the bits and bobs you'll need. Trust me, prepping is half the battle!

Main Ingredient Breakdown

Alright, here's the shopping list, nice and clear. This will help you create the ultimate cavatappi pasta bake .

• For the Tomato Sauce:

  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Go for extra virgin; it makes a difference.
  • Onion: 1 medium , finely chopped (150g). Any old yellow onion will do.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (6g). Fresh is best, always!
  • Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can (794g). Quality tomatoes make a world of difference. Look for San Marzano if you can.
  • Tomato Sauce: 1 (15 ounce) can (425g).
  • Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon (5 ml). Adds a lovely earthy note.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional) (2.5 ml). For a bit of a kick, innit?
  • Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5 g). Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is KEY, people!
  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml). Full fat, baby! It’s gotta be creamy cavatappi recipes , right?
  • Fresh Basil: 1 cup , chopped (about 25g). Smells divine and adds a fresh zing.

• For the Pasta & Breadcrumbs:

  • Cavatappi Pasta: 1 pound (454g). Cork screw pasta recipes are the bomb!
  • Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 ml, 28g). Unsalted is best, so you can control the salt level.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (40g). Adds a lovely crunch.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves , minced (6g). Because you can never have too much garlic!
  • Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup , grated (25g). The proper stuff, not the sawdusty kind!
  • Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped (optional, for garnish). Adds a pop of color.

Seasoning Sense

Essential spice combinations? Oregano and red pepper flakes in the tomato sauce. Trust me. It's the business. For flavor enhancers and aromatics, garlic is your best mate.

Don’t be shy with it! No basil? A teaspoon of dried basil will do in a pinch. You can still make these easy cavatappi recipes amazing.

Gear Up! What You'll Actually Need

• Pasta Pot: Gotta cook that hearty pasta !
• Big Skillet: For the sauce. A Dutch oven is even better.
• 9x13 Baking Dish: Can’t have baked cavatappi pasta recipes without it.
• Small Bowl: Breadcrumb topping, sorted.

Don’t have a Dutch oven? A large, deep frying pan will work. Honestly, this cavatappi pasta with tomato sauce is forgiving.

The goal is cavatappi pasta dinner ideas that are delicious, not complicated! And who doesn’t love cavatappi pasta with vegetables thrown in the mix? It's a meal!

Let's Get Cooking: Creamy Tomato Basil Cavatappi

Right, alright, gather 'round! We're making Creamy Tomato Basil Cavatappi Bake with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping ! Seriously, this isn't your average pasta night.

We're talking pure comfort food elevated. I remember the first time I attempted a pasta bake... absolute disaster! Undercooked pasta, watery sauce, you name it.

But don't worry, I've learned from my mistakes, and this recipe is foolproof. We're using cavatappi recipes today.

Prep Power: Your Mise en Place Mission

• Essential mise en place : Chop your onion, mince the garlic, measure out those spices, and get that basil chopped. Having everything ready makes life so much easier, trust me.
• Time saving organization tips : While the sauce simmers, get your breadcrumb topping sorted. Multitasking is your friend, especially when you're hangry.
• Safety reminders : Be careful with hot oil! Don't be like me and get a splash burn. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case. Honestly, you'll thank me later.

step-by-step to Pasta Perfection

1. Sauté onion and garlic : In olive oil, until soft. About 5 minutes .
2. Simmer the sauce : Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes , stirring. This gives you an excellent base for cavatappi pasta with tomato sauce .
3. Cook the cavatappi : Cook until al dente! About 8- 10 minutes . Reserve pasta water!
4. Breadcrumb magic : Combine melted butter, panko, garlic, and Parmesan.
5. Combine and bake : Stir cream and basil into the sauce. Add pasta, and a splash of pasta water if needed. Transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs.
6. Bake, baby, bake : At 375° F ( 190° C) for 20 minutes . Breadcrumbs golden brown, sauce bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Win!

• Don't overcook the cavatappi . It continues cooking in the oven. Soggy pasta? No, thank you!
• Taste the sauce. Adjust as needed. Sweet? Spicy? You do you.
• make-ahead option : Assemble the bake (without the breadcrumbs). Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours . Add breadcrumbs before baking.
• This is a great recipe to make with cavatappi pasta with vegetables .

This hearty pasta bake is a great crowd pleaser. You can try it with other cork screw pasta recipes as well!.

Don't just settle for boring baked cavatappi pasta recipes , let's make something great. Enjoy your easy cavatappi recipes !.

I hope you enjoy this take on cavatappi pasta dinner ideas . I love making a creamy cavatappi recipes .

Alright, so you've just made this amazing Creamy Tomato Basil Cavatappi Pasta Bake . Now what? Let's chat about some quick tips and tricks to make sure every bite is perfection.

Recipe Notes: Gettin' the Most Outta Your Cork Screw Pasta Recipes

Serving Suggestions: Show it Off!

Okay, first impressions matter . Plating this hearty pasta dish is easy. I like to pile it high in a bowl.

Sprinkle some extra parsley on top. You know, make it look like you spent ages on it. Honestly, a simple side salad with a lemony dressing works wonders.

It cuts through the richness. And don't forget some crusty bread. You just gotta have something to mop up that amazing sauce.

A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio? Perfect for the cavatappi pasta with tomato sauce , and you know it!

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

So, you've got leftovers. Lucky you! In the fridge, this baked cavatappi pasta recipe will keep for about 3-4 days.

Make sure you store it in an airtight container, yeah? To reheat, just pop it in the microwave. Or, even better, bake it in the oven again at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's bubbly.

If you're thinking long term, freezing is an option. Let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in cling film and foil.

It'll last for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then bake as above.

Variations: Mix it Up!

Feeling adventurous? Let's talk easy cavatappi recipes . For a veggie boost, throw in some roasted bell peppers or zucchini. Honestly, whatever you have in the fridge.

Want to go gluten-free? Simply use gluten-free cavatappi pasta and breadcrumbs. You won't even notice the difference! For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half and-half or crème fraîche, but know that the sauce will be a bit thinner.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside

Each serving of this creamy cavatappi recipes clocks in around 550 calories. You get a good dose of protein (20g), a decent amount of fat (30g), and plenty of carbs (55g).

Remember, it’s all about balance, innit? The tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. The basil offers anti inflammatory benefits. Plus, you're getting calcium from the cheese.

So, treat yourself, guilt free. It might not be kale, but it's good for the soul.

So, there you have it. My recipe notes to help you make the best cavatappi pasta dinner ideas . Go on, give it a go! With or without the suggested variations, enjoy your pasta.

I'm sure you will absolutely smash it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cavatappi recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake (pasta, sauce, and breadcrumb topping) and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. Think of it as your secret weapon for a stress free dinner party a real 'chef's kiss' moment.

What's the best way to store leftovers of this creamy cavatappi bake?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire dish covered with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

The breadcrumbs might lose a bit of their crispness, but it'll still taste amazing. A bit like Boxing Day leftovers still great, just a little softer around the edges!

I'm not a fan of heavy cream. Can I substitute something else in this cavatappi recipe?

Yes, you can! Half and-half or crème fraîche are good substitutes for heavy cream. Keep in mind that the sauce will be slightly thinner if you use half and-half, so you might want to simmer it for a few extra minutes to thicken it up.

If you want to keep it even healthier, try using a cashew cream, blending soaked cashews for a great dairy-free alternative.

What are some good variations I can try with this cavatappi recipes?

There are so many ways to customize this dish! For a vegetarian twist, add roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the sauce. You could also add some cooked Italian sausage or crispy pancetta for a meaty version.

Even different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone would work well melted on top under the breadcrumbs! It's your cavatappi canvas, so go wild!

Is there anything I can add to this recipe to make it a bit healthier?

Absolutely! You can sneak in some finely grated vegetables like carrots or zucchini into the tomato sauce for added nutrients. Using whole wheat cavatappi pasta will also increase the fiber content. Finally, cutting back on the heavy cream and cheese will reduce the fat content without sacrificing too much flavor.

A good compromise for a healthier, but still delicious, meal.