Italian Baked Pasta Recipe with Cheese & Bread Crumbs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 2
Total Time: 60 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Del Monte Farfalle Pasta | 1 cup |
| Button Mushrooms (cut into large slices) | 10 pieces |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 large |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 3 medium |
| Cherry Tomatoes (halved) | 10 pieces |
| Basil Leaves (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Parsley Leaves (finely chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Green Olives | 6 pieces |
| Black Olives (sliced) | 2 teaspoons |
| Mozzarella Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (crushed) | 15 pieces |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Butter | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling 2 cups of water in a pot. Once it comes to a boil, add the Del Monte farfalle pasta and a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta for about 7-8 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain any excess water and set the pasta aside to cool slightly.
-
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a medium-sized pan, heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, onion, and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onions and garlic turn golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the sliced button mushrooms to the pan. Cook them covered over a low flame for about 6-7 minutes, or until they become tender and release their juices. Once done, switch off the heat and set the mushroom mixture aside.
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and let it heat up for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the dish.
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Prepare the Pasta Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farfalle pasta with the sautéed mushroom mixture. Add the finely chopped tomatoes, basil, parsley, green olives, black olives, halved cherry tomatoes, freshly cracked black pepper, salt, and grated mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Assemble the Baked Pasta: Grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the grated parmesan cheese and the whole wheat bread crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pasta, covering it completely.
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Add Butter: Drop small dollops of butter evenly over the top of the breadcrumb and cheese mixture for extra richness and flavor.
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Bake the Pasta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the Italian Baked Pasta is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. For a refreshing accompaniment, serve it with a fresh salad such as Carrot Ribbon Salad, Savory Melon Salad, or Avocado, Grapefruit, and Walnut Salad.
Tip: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor, or top with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish. This dish also works well with a glass of crisp white wine or a light Italian red.
Enjoy your Italian Baked Pasta with Cheese & Bread Crumbs – the perfect hearty, comforting dinner that’s both vegetarian and packed with flavor!
