Welcome to Easy Recipes Home Decor, your ultimate destination for effortless culinary creations and inspired home styling! We understand that life is busy, which is why our recipes focus on being quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Forget complicated meals and endless prep time. We believe everyone deserves to enjoy delicious food and a beautiful home without sacrificing precious time. Growing up, my grandmother always said, "A happy home starts with a happy tummy." That's the philosophy behind Easy Recipes Home Decor – bringing joy to your life, one easy recipe and stylish touch at a time.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This particular recipe is close to my heart. When I was a student living far from home, I often felt homesick, longing for the familiar tastes of my childhood. One day, I decided to recreate a simple baked pasta dish my mom used to make. The aroma filling my tiny apartment instantly transported me back to our family kitchen, filled with laughter and warmth. It was a reminder that even the simplest meals can evoke powerful memories and provide comfort. This recipe is my way of sharing that warmth and nostalgia with you – it's easy, comforting, and guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. It perfectly embodies the spirit of Easy Recipes Home Decor.
Ingredients
- Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Water for boiling
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Sauce:
- Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
- Garlic, 2 cloves, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes, 28 ounces
- Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sugar, 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
- Cheese & Extras:
- Ricotta cheese, 15 ounces
- Mozzarella cheese, 8 ounces, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine & Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well coated.
- Layer Cheeses: Spread half of the pasta mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy! Recipes like these are just one simple way that Easy Recipes Home Decor can add beauty and flavor to your life.
Comforting Baked Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape), water, salt
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon sugar
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well coated.1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a lightly greased baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.15 ounces ricotta cheese, 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked pasta cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Enjoy!fresh basil leaves