Description
This Homemade Puttanesca Pasta Bake is a simple and delicious Italian-inspired dish combining al dente pasta with a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic, capers, olives, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Topped with melted mozzarella and fresh basil, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (two 14-ounce cans, preferably no preservatives)
- 1/3 cup capers, rinsed
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pasta later.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer tomatoes: Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to meld the flavors and reduce slightly.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the rinsed capers, sliced black olives, red pepper flakes, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Transfer the sauce to a large mixing bowl and add the drained pasta. Toss thoroughly to coat all pasta pieces with the flavorful sauce.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with a slight golden tint.
- Cool and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil to add a bright, herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this comforting and flavorful puttanesca pasta bake.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor when sautéing garlic.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
- Rinse capers well to reduce excess saltiness.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the mozzarella cheese is made without animal rennet.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
