Cheesy Pasta Bake with Tomato and Basil

Hello Dear Reader,

I wish I could remember where I found this recipe originally, I re-discovered it when I was flipping through my 2018 diary, just to make sure I hadn't missed any bits of paper that I frequently shove into the diary, randomly. I found this tattered piece of paper with my doctor worthy scribble on it and re-read it, well, tried to read it! I had always thought it would be a fabulous recipe and now that I have finally made it, I have to tell you, it really is.

Tender little Orecchiette floating in a soft cheesy, spinach and basil infused sauce topped with more Mozzarella and fresh tomato, make this dish both delicious and comforting. It is a bit of a cheese overload, but that can only be a good thing, right!

Ingredients for Cheesy Pasta Bake with Tomato and Basil, clockwise from centre top, 800 mls of milk, warmed in the microwave for 1 minute, 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, 1/2 a ball of traditional mozzarella cheese, 60 grams of plain flour, 60 grams of butter, 1 to 2 tomatoes (I used 1 & 1/4) a good bunch of basil, most of the leaves torn and the rest left whole for finishing the dish, 250 grams small pasta of choice and 120 grams of baby spinach

Firstly put the water on to boil for the pasta, then cook pasta in the usual way, then drain and set aside till needed. In a large saucepan, melt the butter then add the flour and whisk for 2 minutes on medium heat to cook out the flour

Off the heat, add the warmed milk in one go, whisking the whole time, put back on medium heat and continue to whisk until lovely and thick 

Off the heat, add the grated mozzarella, whisking to incorporate

Till it's lovely and smooth

Now add the cooked and drained pasta, baby spinach and the torn basil leaves

Mix gently to incorporate, the heat of the cheese sauce will wilt the spinach 

Pour and scrape cheesy pasta mixture into a greased casserole dish and top with tomato and mozzarella slices in a pattern that pleases you, add some whole basil leaves throughout the topping

Bake in a 200C oven for 20 minutes till cheese is melted and starting to turn golden, then pop it under a hot grill for a couple of minutes to finish 

The tomatoes will be soft and the mozzarella crisp and golden 

A wonderful, all in one, super cheesy, delicious pasta dish.

Over to you, do you scribble recipes down only to find you can barely understand it at a later date?

Have a lovely day,

💕Fi

One Year Ago-Gingerbread Pudding Muffins

Two Years Ago-Ham Steaks with Maple Apple Sauce