Baked Cheese Pasta

                                                         


'Pasta' is the Italian name for 'Dough'. In Italy Pasta is served as a first course. Whereas, at my home, we enjoy it anytime !! :)

There a different types of pasta available.What I have used here is Penne pasta. My kids are very fond of pasta and that's what inspired me to try this out and trust me, this is a very easy dish.

I have used Oregano, which is a strong , aromatic herb popular in Italian and Greek cuisine.

Ingredients:

For Tomato Sauce

1. Tomatoes - 2 medium sized
2. Onion - 1 small finely chopped
3. Garlic - 2 cloves finely chopped
4. Oregano - 2 tbsp
5. Pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
6. Olive oil - 2 tbsp

For Pasta

1. Penne pasta - 300 gm
2. Shredded Mozzarella cheese - 200 gm

Preparation Method:

Cook pasta according to package directions with 1/2 tsp salt  and 1 tbsp oil. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Next, lets prepare the tomato sauce. Heat water in a pan. Once the water starts boiling well, remove from flame. Pop the tomatoes in the water and keep aside for say 10 mins. This is to peel of the skin.

Blend the peeled tomatoes and keep aside. Take a sauce pan for making the tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil, saute the chopped garlic and onions till the onions become translucent.

Pour in the blended tomato puree and stir well. Add 1/2 cup of water to it and stir. Now add pepper, oregano and salt as required. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins. Remove from flame.

Our Tomato sauce is ready. Pre heat oven to 180 degrees.

Combine well the cooked pasta and tomato sauce and keep aside.

Now layer half the pasta in the baking dish. Top with half portion of Mozzarella cheese. Layer the remaining pasta. Top with the remaining cheese.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 mins till the cheese topping turns golden brown and looks all ready.

Remove from oven. Voila !! our Baked Cheese pasta is ready !!! Enjoy....