Deliciously Creamy Pasta Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella - Perfect for Any Meal!

The ""Cremiger Nudelauflauf mit Tomaten und Mozzarella"" translates to Creamy Pasta Bake with Tomatoes and Mozzarella. This delicious dish's origins lie in Germany, where cheesy pasta bakes are a beloved comfort food, especially in the colder months. The inclusion of ripe tomatoes and rich mozzarella lend this dish an Italian flair, making it a perfect fusion of comforting German and vibrant Italian cuisine.

Ingredients:

500g penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
400g can chopped tomatoes
200g fresh mozzarella, drained and sliced
100ml heavy cream
A pinch of salt
A pinch of black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
50g grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

Prepare the Base: You start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or gas mark 6. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water as directed on the packet instructions, until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Add the canned chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper to the pan, bringing it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Lastly, add the heavy cream and chopped basil to the pan, stirring well to combine.
Serve and Garnish: Combine the pasta and tomato sauce in a large bowl, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to a baking dish and top it with slices of mozzarella and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted and is becoming golden. Let it stand for a few minutes, then serve and garnish with some more fresh basil if desired.

Tip:

For added complexity, you can include sliced black olives or cooked bacon bits into your tomato sauce. This additional addition will give your Cremiger Nudelauflauf an extra layer of flavor.