Introduction
This delicious baked pasta dish combines rich flavors with a delightful crunch from garlic breadcrumbs. Perfect for a comforting family meal or entertaining friends, this recipe highlights the freshness of leeks, basil, and plum tomatoes, while the addition of frozen spinach provides a nutritious twist.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 85g loaf of garlic bread
– Olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 2 leeks
– 1 bunch of fresh basil (30g)
– 2 teaspoons dried oregano
– 3 x 400g tins of plum tomatoes
– 500g dried pasta (e.g., orecchiette, conchiglie, or gemelli)
– 50g Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
– 8 cubes of frozen spinach
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: Serves approximately 4-6 people
To prepare this dish, begin by tearing the garlic bread into a blender and pulse it into fine crumbs, mixing in a little olive oil. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and slice the garlic and leeks. With olive oil in a large casserole pan, gently fry the garlic, leeks, and basil stalks with oregano, then season and cook until softened. Add plum tomatoes, break them up, and incorporate water from the tins, simmering until flavors meld.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente, reserving some cooking water. Blend the sauce with fresh basil leaves for a smooth consistency, mix in the pasta and loosen with reserved water. Grate in Parmesan before adding spinach and topping with garlic breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish is golden and bubbling, then let it rest briefly. Garnish with basil and extra cheese before serving alongside a crisp green salad. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
Tear the garlic bread into a blender and blitz into fine crumbs. Mix in a little olive oil and set aside.
Step 2
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4. Peel and finely slice the garlic. Trim, wash, and finely slice the white part of the leeks (reserve the green tops for another use).
Step 3
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large shallow casserole pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, finely sliced basil stalks, and dried oregano. Gently fry for a couple of minutes.
Step 4
Add the chopped leeks to the pan. Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until softened.
Step 5
Add the plum tomatoes, breaking them up with the back of a spoon. Half-fill each tomato tin with water, swirl around, and pour into the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 6
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling salted water for 8 minutes. Drain, reserving a mugful of the starchy cooking water.
Step 7
Transfer the sauce to a blender, add most of the basil leaves (reserving a few for serving), and blend until smooth. Return the sauce to the casserole pan, stir through the cooked pasta, and loosen with the reserved cooking water if needed.
Step 8
Finely grate over the Parmesan cheese. Nestle the frozen spinach into the pasta. Sprinkle over the garlic breadcrumbs.
Step 9
Bake for 20 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden, the pasta is tender, and the sauce is bubbling.
Step 10
Let it sit for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle over the reserved basil leaves and finish with an extra grating of Parmesan. Serve with a crisp green salad.
Notes
Note 1
Ensure the garlic bread is torn into small pieces for even blending.
Note 2
Use fresh leeks for the best flavor; the green tops can be used in soups or stocks.
Note 3
Adjust the cooking time for the pasta according to the package instructions; it should be al dente.
Note 4
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variation.
Note 5
The dish can be made in advance and reheated, making it great for meal prep or gatherings.
Cook techniques
Tearing and Blitzing Bread
Tear the garlic bread into smaller pieces before placing them in a blender. This helps the breadcrumbs achieve a fine, even consistency.
Slicing Garlic and Leeks
Peel and finely slice the garlic cloves. For the leeks, trim, wash, and finely slice only the white parts, as this provides a milder onion flavor to the dish.
Infusing Flavors
Drizzle olive oil into the pan, then add sliced garlic, basil stalks, and dried oregano. Gently fry to release their flavors into the oil before adding other ingredients.
Cooking Leeks
Season the chopped leeks with sea salt and black pepper, then cook them gently. This process softens the leeks and enhances their sweetness, which adds depth to the sauce.
Tomato Sauce Preparation
Add plum tomatoes to the leeks and break them up with a spoon. Adding a bit of water from the tomato tins helps to incorporate all the flavors into the sauce.
Cooking Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a mug of the starchy water to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Blending Sauce
Transfer the sauce to a blender along with most of the basil leaves. Blending creates a smooth sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
Combining Ingredients
Return the blended sauce to the casserole, add the cooked pasta, and mix well. Use the reserved cooking water to loosen the sauce if it appears too thick.
Baking with Breadcrumbs
Sprinkle the garlic breadcrumbs over the pasta mixture and bake until the breadcrumbs are golden and crunchy, providing a delightful texture contrast.
FAQ
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts.
What alternative pasta shapes can I use?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, as long as it has a similar cooking time.
Can I substitute the Parmesan cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian or vegan option.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular dried pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Assemble the dish and bake it just before serving.
What side dish pairs well with this recipe?
A crisp green salad is an excellent choice to complement the pasta bake.
Conclusion
This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of garlic, leeks, and tomatoes, creating a delicious pasta bake that is both comforting and satisfying. The crisp garlic breadcrumbs on top add a wonderful texture, while the hidden spinach packs in a boost of nutrition. It’s a perfect meal for any occasion and is easily adaptable to suit different tastes.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Pasta Bake
Try adding diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
Cheesy Spinach Bake
Incorporate ricotta or mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan for a creamier texture.
Pasta Primavera
Use seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and peas to add freshness and color to the dish.
Protein Boost
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra protein kick.
Herb Variations
Swap the basil for parsley or cilantro to change the flavor profile, or include fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.
Spicy Kick
Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for some extra heat.
Nutty Topping
Mix in crushed nuts like walnuts or almonds with the garlic breadcrumbs for added crunch and flavor.
