Tomato & mozzarella pasta bake
This is guaranteed to be a hit with children and is a great way of getting some veg into them. You can add loads of other ingredients to this dish too, depending on what your family like. Try chicken and mushrooms, tuna and sweetcorn or turkey and broccoli.
Preparation: 5 mins
Cooking: 25 mins
Serves: 4
300g (11oz) penne pasta
1tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed
400g can good-quality chopped tomatoes
1tbsp tomato purée
150ml (1/4pt) vegetable stock
2tsp dried mixed herbs
Freshly ground black pepper
125g (4 1/2oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced
To serve: Salad, crusty wholegrain bread
1. Heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4.
2. Cook the penne according to the pack instructions, drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan. Add the onion and garlic and fry for 5 mins, until the onion has softened.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato purée, stock and herbs and season with black pepper. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for 10 mins, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the cooked penne to the tomato sauce, mix together then transfer to an oven-proof dish. Top with the sliced mozzarella and bake in the oven for 10 mins until the cheese has melted.
6. Serve the pasta bake with salad and crusty wholegrain bread.
The Fairy Cook Book is available on www.fairy-dish.com. for £5 and proceeds will go to the Make A Wish Foundation
