Passata & Pesto Pasta Bake
A comforting baked dish combining spaghetti, a rich passata, and vibrant pesto, topped with a medley of diced vegetables and olives. This dish harmoniously blends the flavors of Mediterranean staples, providing a hearty meal perfect for sharing.
- Total
- 55 min
- Serves
- 3
- Level
- Adventurous
Created with Pantry Bliss
Ingredients
3 servings
- 300 grams Spaghetti, dried
- 400 milliliters Passata, rich and thick
- 100 grams Pesto, fresh or jarred
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 large Onion, finely chopped
- 50 grams Anchovies, finely chopped
- 1 large Celery, finely diced
- 1 large Carrot, finely diced
- 1 large Capsicum, diced
- 100 grams Olives, sliced or whole, to taste
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 20 min
About this recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from traditional pasta dishes popular across Italy, especially in the comforting realm of baked dishes that bring friends and family around the table. Combining vibrant passata with aromatic pesto provides a mouth-watering sauce that sits beautifully with the baked spaghetti, while anchovies add an umami depth that enhances the overall flavor profile. Baking results in a delicious crispy top, complementing the saucy pasta underneath. The use of assorted vegetables not only makes this dish healthy but also adds texture and colour, reminding one of communal dinners in local Italian trattorias.
Method
-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside in the colander.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. -
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Mix
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, and once hot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced celery, carrot, and capsicum. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Ensure the garlic does not burn, as it will become bitter. -
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Once the vegetables are softened, add the chopped anchovies to the skillet. Stir for about 2 minutes until the anchovies dissolve. Then, add the passata and half of the pesto, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
Ensure the sauce bubbles gently; avoid boiling vigorously. -
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spaghetti with the vegetable-passat mixture. Stir in the remaining pesto and add in the sliced olives. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce and ingredients.
Avoid breaking the spaghetti while mixing. -
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle grated cheese on top if desired. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through and slightly golden on top.
Check the pasta bake towards the end; you want it heated through with an attractive golden top. -
Step 6: Serve the Dish
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and enjoy your comforting Passata & Pesto Pasta Bake.
The dish will be very hot; let it rest to avoid burns.
Tips
- Add grated mozzarella or parmesan cheese on top before baking for an extra creamy texture.
- Incorporate other vegetables based on the season such as zucchini or eggplant.
- For a vegetarian version, skip the anchovies and enhance with fresh herbs.
- Prepare the pasta bake the day before, store it covered in the fridge, and simply bake on the day, increasing bake time if needed.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (approximately 30x20cm)
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Cheese grater (optional)
- Oven
Serve it with
Sides
-
Garlic Bread
The buttery garlic bread complements the rich pasta bake perfectly and offers a great way to mop up the sauce.
-
Mixed Green Salad
A fresh salad adds a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta bake.
Goes well with
-
Tiramisu
Tiramisu offers a classic Italian dessert experience, balancing the savory flavours of the main dish.
-
Bruschetta
Bruschetta serves as a delightful appetizer, offering a light and fresh start to the meal.
Drinks
-
Chianti
A classic Italian red wine that pairs beautifully with pasta dishes.
-
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water refreshes the palate and balances the meal without overpowering the flavours.
Created by a home cook with Pantry Bliss’s AI recipe creator and shared with the community. Always check recipes for allergens and cook food to safe temperatures.
