Easy dinner ideas at home are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. The aroma of a simmering pot, the laughter around the table, these are the moments that truly matter. Finding simple, delicious recipes that bring everyone together is my passion. That's why I'm so excited to share one of my favorite go to easy dinner ideas at home with you. I grew up eating this, and it’s still a regular on our family table.
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Why You Will Love This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
This creamy tomato pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s unbelievably flavorful. I love that it requires minimal prep time, allowing me to spend more time with my family and less time slaving away in the kitchen. This is also a fantastic recipe to get the kids involved in cooking! It's a winner in my book for satisfying even the pickiest eaters and for taking less than an hour from start to finish.
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Ingredients Needed for This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
- Pasta: 1 pound penne pasta
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Crushed Tomatoes: 28 ounces
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Basil: For garnish (optional)
How to Make This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don't overcook the pasta, it will continue cooking in the oven.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Find more simple and quick family meal ideas on Recipe Charming.
How to Serve This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
This creamy tomato pasta bake is delicious served on its own or as a side dish to grilled chicken or a simple salad. It's perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad complements the richness of the pasta perfectly.
How to Store This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
Refrigerate any leftover pasta bake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 2 months. Let the pasta bake cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
- For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken to the sauce.
- Feel free to use different types of pasta, such as rigatoni, ziti, or rotini.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients.
- Use high quality cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella are always a good choice.
- If you like a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Helpful Notes for This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
Ensure you use canned crushed tomatoes for the easiest way to make this dish. If you only have tomato sauce, you will also need to use tomato sauce. Using a high quality Italian seasoning blend will greatly enhance the flavor. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Variation of This easy dinner ideas at home Recipe
- Vegetarian: Leave out the meat and add extra vegetables.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Creamy Pesto: Substitute half of the crushed tomatoes with pesto sauce for a delicious twist.
- Four Cheese: Add ricotta, provolone, or other favorite cheeses to the pasta bake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quick and easy dinner ideas at home?
Quick and easy dinner ideas at home include pasta bakes, sheet pan dinners, and simple stir-fries. These recipes often use minimal ingredients and cooking time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
How can I plan easy dinners at home for the week?
Planning easy dinners at home involves creating a weekly meal plan and prepping ingredients in advance. Consider batch cooking or using pre-cut vegetables to save time during the week.
What are some healthy easy dinner ideas at home?
Healthy and easy dinner ideas at home include meals with lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and whole grains. Options like grilled chicken salads, baked salmon with roasted vegetables, or lentil soup are both nutritious and easy to prepare.
How can I make dinner easier at home?
To make dinner easier at home, utilize time-saving appliances like slow cookers or instant pots. Prepare ingredients ahead of time, and consider using pre-made sauces or marinades for added flavor with less effort.
Conclusion
This creamy tomato pasta bake is my go to for easy dinner ideas at home, and I hope it becomes a family favorite in your home too. It's a guaranteed crowd pleaser that's both comforting and satisfying. Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!
Easy Dinner Ideas at Home: Quick Family Meals Tonight!
This creamy tomato pasta bake is a simple and delicious weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Made with penne pasta, creamy tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition:
Protein: 18g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 25g
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked pasta and half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken. Feel free to use different types of pasta, such as rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor.