Baked Pasta with Cheese and Tomatoes
Appetizing, budget-friendly, and very tasty - perfect for lunch or dinner. Baked pasta with cheese and tomatoes will delight all Italian pasta lovers. This cooking method adds variety to your menu. It’s a very simple dish, suitable even for beginner cooks.
Updated : 07 August, 2025
Easy
About 20 min.
Ingredients
250 grams
Macaroni
200 grams
Tomato
120 grams
Hard cheese
80 grams
Butter
to taste
Ground black pepper
to taste
Salt
Table
Table of volume measurements:
- teaspoon - 5 ml
- dessert spoon - 10 ml
- tablespoon - 20 ml
- glass - 200 ml
Preparation
Step 1
You can use any type of pasta - elbows, bow ties, shells, etc. - the main thing is that it’s made from durum wheat and of good quality.
Step 2
Boil the pasta in plenty of salted water until al dente (1 minute less than indicated on the package). This way, it stays slightly firm in the center and finishes cooking in the oven. Important: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3
While the pasta cooks, prepare the other ingredients. Wash and dry the tomatoes, then cut them into slices. Choose firm but juicy tomatoes - soft ones will fall apart during slicing and cooking, ruining the dish’s appearance.
Step 4
Slice the cheese thinly or grate it using a coarse grater. Pre-sliced cheese can also be used. Any salad cheese works - from regular cheddar to mozzarella or processed cheese. Just make sure it’s tasty and dye-free.
Step 5
Drain the pasta in a colander and let all the water drain off.
Step 6
Return the pasta to the pot, add butter, and mix well. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7
In a buttered baking dish, spread half of the pasta. Layer some of the tomato slices on top.
Step 8
Add half of the cheese over the tomatoes.
Step 9
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, tomatoes, and cheese. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Step 10
Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh herbs and serve. Enjoy your meal!