Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake
Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 200C (180C fan).
Step 2
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the packet instructions, until al dente. Drain, then transfer it back to the saucepan.
Step 3
Stir in the Ballymaloe 100 Recipe Sauce, then add a splash of water to the empty jar and swish it around to catch all the sauce still clinging to the sides, then add that to the pan too.
Step 4
Tear in most of the basil leaves, saving the smaller whole leaves for garnish. Add the chilli flakes (if using) for a little extra kick and season to taste.
Step 5
Transfer the penne to a large baking dish or a wide, shallow casserole. Tear the mozzarella into strips, then scatter it over the top along with the grated Parmesan.
Step 6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the penne is bubbling up around the edges.
Step 7
Remove the dish from the oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes.
Chef's Tips
Scatter over the remaining basil to garnish, then serve straight to the table with a lightly dressed green salad on the side.
Serving Suggestions & Notes
Make it creamy: You can add a bit of white sauce on top before baking in the oven to create a lasagne-like taste.|Veggie Boost: Grate some carrots or courgette into the sauce or stir in two handfuls of spinach if you want to add some vegetables.|Wholewheat pasta works especially well in a pasta bake and is an easy way to introduce extra fibre.|For a healthier alternative, use wholewheat pasta.|Make it more indulgent: Option to add garlic bread on the side.