Zesty Spicy Pepper Baked Pasta

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €11.47 · €1.91/serving

• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milkEst. price €0.60–€1.20
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy creamEst. price €1.00–€2.00
• One 15-ounce (425-g) can crushed tomatoesEst. price €0.80–€1.50
• One 4-ounce (115-g) can diced green chiles, drainedEst. price €0.70–€1.40
• 2 cups (230 g) shredded sharp Cheddar or Mexican blend cheeseEst. price €3.00–€5.50
• 1 heaping tablespoon Dijon mustardEst. price €0.15–€0.30
• Salt and pepperEst. price €0.02–€0.05
• 1 pound (455 g) penne or zitiEst. price €1.20–€2.50
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheeseEst. price €4.00–€7.00

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by preheating the oven to 500°F (260°C) and positioning the rack in the middle. On high heat, bring a large pot of water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, combine milk, cream, tomatoes, chiles, Cheddar cheese, and mustard in a 13 by 9-inch (33 by 23-cm) baking dish. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of salt and a dash of pepper before setting it aside.

2. 2

   Once the water reaches a rolling boil, season it generously with salt to achieve a taste similar to seawater. Add the pasta promptly after, giving it a quick stir to prevent sticking together, then cover the pot. Once the water comes back to a boil, remove the lid and cook the pasta until it reaches a very al dente texture, remembering to occasionally stir for even cooking.

3. 3

   After draining the pasta, transfer it onto the tomato mixture and toss gently to mix. Give the dish a light shake to evenly distribute all the ingredients before sprinkling Pecorino cheese on top.

Full steps, exact amounts, and Cook Mode are available after sign-in.

• Cultural note

  Baked pasta dishes have roots in various cultures around the world, including Italian, Mexican, and American cuisine. The addition of spicy peppers and sharp cheddar cheese gives this dish a zesty and bold flavor profile, making it a popular comfort food choice for many.

• Seasonal note

  This dish can be enjoyed year-round as the ingredients like canned tomatoes and chiles are typically available all seasons. However, fresh chiles can be more abundant and flavorful during the summer months.

• Health note

  This baked pasta dish is high in calories and fat due to the use of whole milk, heavy cream, and cheese. It is also rich in protein and calcium from the dairy ingredients. The dish provides a good amount of fiber from the pasta and tomatoes, but it is high in saturated fat and sodium.