The 15-Minute Pasta Bake That Feeds a Hungry Day and Warms the Heart
In a busy day, a warm, comforting meal can feel out of reach. This baked macaroni dish proves you can win on flavor and speed with everyday ingredients. Whether you start with fresh, just-boiled pasta or yesterday’s leftovers, the result is fragrant, satisfying, and deeply comforting. The technique is simple: mix a savory base of onion, ham, and garlic with a tomato-sauce drizzle, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.
In This Article:
From Fresh or Day-Old Pasta: Flexibility That Saves Time
This dish welcomes either freshly cooked pasta or yesterday’s leftovers. It’s aromatic and flavorful in either case, making it a forgiving, weeknight-friendly solution. Steps from the article: cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, then rinse under running water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the texture bright and ready to mingle with the sauce.
Flavor Foundation: Onions, Ham, and Garlic
The base starts with finely chopped onion, sautéed in a little oil until soft and fragrant. Cubes of ham join the onions and cook until they turn golden. Then garlic is pressed and added to release its aroma, building a savory backbone for the dish.
A Simple Sauce: Tomato Paste, Water, Salt, Pepper—and a Hint of Sugar
Tomato paste is diluted with water to form a quick sauce, with a possible swap for ketchup if you prefer. Season generously with salt and pepper, and add a pinch of sugar if you like a touch of sweetness. Bring to a boil and simmer for a couple of minutes to marry the flavors.
From Sauce to Oven: Pasta Meets Cheese
Stir the pasta into the sauce until everything is well coated. Prepare a baking dish by oiling it lightly, then spread the macaroni-and-sauce mixture evenly. Grate cheese and sprinkle it over the top, ready for melting.
