Zesty Tomato Penne Al Forno

Veggie

Spicy

with Bocconcini and Olives

8 min

Difficulty: 2/3

Italian

Is there anything more comforting than cheesy baked pasta? This quick pasta bake is spiked with chili flakes and olives to amp up its cozy flavour.

Allergens

Sulphites

Soy

Mustard

Wheat

Milk

Sulphites

May contain traces of allergens

Peanuts

Sesame

Tree nuts

Utensils

Large Pot

Measuring Spoons

Strainer

Measuring Cups

Large Oven-Proof Pan

Tags

Veggie

Spicy

Climate-conscious

Ingredients

Bocconcini Cheese

100 g

Crushed Tomatoes with Garlic and Onion

1 unit(s)

Baby Spinach

56 g

Penne

170 g

Parmesan Cheese, shredded

0.5 cup

Garlic, cloves

2 unit(s)

Shallot

1 unit(s)

Chili Flakes

1 tsp

Balsamic Glaze

2 tbsp

Mixed Olives

30 g

Garlic Salt

0.5 tsp

Pepper

0.125 tsp

Oil

1 tbsp

Salt

0.125 tsp

Preparation

Add 10 cups water and 2 tsp salt to a large pot (use same for 4 ppl). Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
Add penne to the boiling water. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 10-12 min.
Drain penne.

While water comes to a boil, peel, then cut shallot into 1/4-inch pieces.
Peel, then mince or grate garlic.
Roughly chop spinach.
Drain, then rinse olives. Pat dry with paper towels, then roughly chop.
Pat bocconcini dry with paper towels. Tear into quarters, then season with 1/4 tsp (1/2 tsp) garlic salt and pepper.

Once penne is added to the boiling water, heat a large oven-proof pan over medium heat.
When hot, add 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) oil, then shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until softened and fragrant, 2-3 min.
Season with salt.

Add crushed tomatoes, olives, 1/2 tsp (1 tsp) chili flakes and 1/4 cup (1/2 cup) water to the pan with shallots.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly, 4-5 min.
Remove from heat.
Stir in 1 tbsp (2 tbsp) balsamic glaze.
Season with 1/4 tsp (1/2 tsp) garlic salt and pepper.

Add sauce and spinach to the pot with penne, then stir to combine.
Transfer penne to the same oven-proof pan. (NOTE: If you don't have an oven-proof pan, transfer penne to an 8x8-inch [9x13-inch] baking dish.)
Arrange bocconcini over penne. Sprinkle Parmesan over top.
Broil in the middle of the oven until cheese melts, 4-5 min.