Quick Sicilian Baked Pasta Gratin Recipe
🍝 Name: Quick Sicilian Baked Pasta Gratin
⏲️ Cook Time: 30 minutes
⏲️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 40 minutes
📖 Description: This dish is an easy-to-make Sicilian-inspired baked pasta gratin that’s sure to please your family. It’s a quick recipe perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal with a Mediterranean twist.
Recipe Details:
🍽️ Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
🔎 Keywords: Spaghetti, European, < 60 Mins, Oven
🥘 Recipe Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 | Onion, chopped |
| 1 | Garlic clove, minced |
| 1 pinch | Red pepper flakes |
| 2-3 | Plum tomatoes, chopped |
| – | Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped |
| 1 | Black olives, pitted and chopped |
| 1 tbsp | Capers, drained |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh basil, chopped |
| 1/4 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 3 cups | Cooked pasta (spaghetti or similar) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 464.9
- Total Fat: 16.6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 92.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 63.2g
- Fiber: 3.1g
- Sugar: 5.6g
- Protein: 17.3g
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a casserole dish lightly with olive oil.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
-
Add Aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
-
Prepare Tomato Mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine chopped plum tomatoes, kalamata olives, black olives, capers, and fresh basil. Pulse a few times until coarsely chopped. Add this mixture to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta and the prepared tomato mixture. Add grated Parmesan cheese and toss gently to combine.
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Assemble and Bake: Transfer the pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips and Notes:
- Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
- Adjustments: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding more tomatoes for a saucier consistency or extra olives for more Mediterranean flavor.
- Variations: You can substitute different types of pasta such as penne or fusilli based on your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this Sicilian baked pasta gratin with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy this Quick Sicilian Baked Pasta Gratin as a delightful weeknight dinner or whenever you’re craving a taste of Sicily at home. The blend of tomatoes, olives, and fresh basil combined with the cheesy pasta makes it a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!
