Ingredients
Scale
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 ounces of pasta (like ziti or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
If you’re in need of substitutions, feel free to use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist or swap out the mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding dairy. Cooking should be flexible, just like our family meals!
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until translucent. It’s moments like these, filled with aromatic scents, that remind me of my grandmother’s cooking lessons.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; we want to enhance the flavor, not overpower it!
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
- Stir in the cubed mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. This is the part where you can let your kids help—nothing brings a family together like mixing and tasting!
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish, and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top. Pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International