The Perfect Cheese And Tomato Pasta Recipe

A comforting and delicious meal, cheese and tomato pasta is a great dish to make when you want something tasty but don't want to spend too long in the kitchen. This recipe is simple and quick to make, and you can add extra cheese or cream for a more indulgent version. You can also add meat or vegetables to the sauce, such as chicken, bacon, prawns, or spinach. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, and you can use any type of pasta you have to hand.

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Preparing the sauce

Add herbs and spices to your sauce. Oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, and pepper are all good options. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. If you like your sauce to be a little more liquid, you can add some of the pasta water, or even some cream or milk. Stir everything together and let it simmer until thickened to your liking.

Finally, season with salt and pepper, and stir in your cheese. You can use grated cheese, or slices, and parmesan works particularly well.

Cooking the pasta

Different types of pasta will require different cooking times, so it is important to follow the instructions on the packet. For example, fresh pasta will take less time to cook than dried pasta. It is also important to ensure that the pasta is cooked properly before adding it to the sauce. If the pasta is undercooked, it may be tough and chewy. On the other hand, overcooked pasta can be mushy and fall apart. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance and achieve the perfect al dente texture.

Once the pasta is cooked to your desired level of doneness, drain it in a colander and set it aside. It is important not to rinse the pasta with cold water, as this will remove the starch that helps the sauce adhere to it. Instead, you can toss the pasta with a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent it from sticking together. At this stage, you can also reserve a cup of the pasta's cooking water, which can be added to the sauce later to adjust its consistency.

While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the sauce by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil until they are soft and translucent. Then, add tomatoes, herbs, spices, and other ingredients of your choice to create a flavourful sauce. Simmer the sauce until it thickens and reduces, and then combine it with the cooked pasta. Finally, add your choice of cheese, such as parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar, and mix well to create a creamy and delicious dish.

Combining the sauce and pasta

Once the pasta is cooked, it should be drained, and a small amount of the pasta water should be reserved. This starchy water can be added to the sauce later to adjust its consistency if needed. The cooked pasta should then be added to the sauce and mixed well. If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of the reserved hot pasta water can be added to thin it out.

At this stage, you can also add more cheese or cream to the pasta if you prefer a richer, creamier dish. Simply stir in the desired amount of grated cheese or cheese slices, and fresh cream or full-cream milk. Adjust the seasoning as needed and cook the pasta and sauce together for a minute or two to allow the flavours to meld.

Finally, the pasta and sauce mixture can be transferred to a baking dish and topped with more cheese for a baked pasta dish. Alternatively, it can be served immediately with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

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Adding cheese

When adding cheese to your pasta, it's important to consider the texture and flavour you want to achieve. For a creamy and rich pasta, add cream cheese, such as mascarpone or ricotta, to the sauce while it's still warm. This will create a smooth and indulgent dish. You can also add a splash of heavy cream to your sauce to make it luxuriously creamy. If you're using cream cheese, be sure to add it gradually and taste as you go, as too much can make the sauce heavy and mask the other flavours.

For a more savoury and hearty dish, grated cheddar or mozzarella can be sprinkled over the pasta before baking it in the oven. This will create a delicious, golden brown crust on top of your pasta. You can also try mixing the cheese through the pasta before baking to ensure every bite is cheesy and delicious. Adding a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese to your pasta just before serving can also enhance the flavour.

If you're looking for a more subtle cheese flavour, you can try stirring in some grated parmesan or pecorino into your tomato sauce while it's still cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. Just be sure to add a little at a time to avoid overpowering the other flavours.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Some other cheeses that pair well with tomato pasta include goat cheese, gruyere, and fontina. You can also try using a combination of cheeses to create a unique and complex flavour profile.

Baking

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Fry the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and translucent. Then, add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, Balsamic, sugar, and stock or wine, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. If you want to add meat to the dish, such as bacon or chicken, now is the time to do so. Stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, cream, and Italian seasoning until smooth. For a more luxurious sauce, use heavy cream. You can also add in some butter for extra richness. Let the sauce gently bubble and thicken, then season with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavours.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a cup of the pasta water. Toss the pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of the pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick. Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish, then top with half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or parmesan.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven at 200ºC/400ºF and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. If you want a more indulgent dish, you can add more cheese or cream to the pasta before baking. Remove the pasta from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a side salad.

You can also make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. It also freezes well, so you can assemble the dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to three months.

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