Servings: 1

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 quantity tomato chipotle sauce
• 1 round mozzarella cheese (about 100g/4 oz.)
• 4 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped roughly
• 8 oz dried pasta (such as penne rigate or similar pasta)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the pasta in boiling water until it is slightly before al dente (it will cook further in the oven). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Finely chop the mozzarella and add it to the tomato sauce along with 3/4 of the grated Parmesan and 3/4 of the chopped basil. Stir everything together, cover the sauce, and let it simmer for a few more minutes until the cheese melts.
4. Mix the pasta thoroughly with the sauce, ensuring that it is well coated.
5. Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to an oiled gratin or lasagna dish.
6. Sprinkle the remaining chopped basil and grated Parmesan over the top of the pasta.
7. Bake the dish in the top part of the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is nicely browned.
8. Serve the pasta with a green salad and a good Chianti or Rosso di Montalcino wine.
9. For those who prefer meat, you can also add sliced Italian pizza or luganega sausage (1/4 inch thick sliced on a bias) to the sauce when adding the cheeses. Brown the luganega slices in a little oil before incorporating them into the dish. Spanish chorizo can also be a delicious addition.

Enjoy this flavorful pasta dish with your choice of additional ingredients for a delightful and satisfying meal!

Here are some variations of the pasta recipe:

1. Vegetarian Pasta Bake: Omit the chipotle sauce and replace it with a tomato basil sauce. Add a variety of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach to the pasta along with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy texture.

2. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta: Cook and shred chicken breast and blanch broccoli florets. Mix them into the tomato chipotle sauce along with cooked pasta. Add some heavy cream or Alfredo sauce for a creamy texture. Top with shredded mozzarella and bake until bubbly.

3. Spicy Sausage Pasta Bake: Brown spicy Italian sausage and slice it into rounds. Mix the sausage into the tomato chipotle sauce along with cooked pasta. Add diced red bell peppers, jalapenos, and onions for extra heat. Top with a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack cheese before baking.

4. Mediterranean Pasta Bake: Use a tomato sauce with garlic, olives, and capers for a Mediterranean twist. Add artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta along with mozzarella and feta cheese. Sprinkle with oregano and bake until golden.

5. Seafood Pasta Bake: Instead of chicken, use cooked shrimp, crab meat, and scallops. Mix them into the tomato chipotle sauce with cooked pasta. Add diced bell peppers and sweet corn for added flavors. Top with a mix of mozzarella and Gouda cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.

6. Cheesy Pesto Pasta Bake: Replace the tomato sauce with pesto sauce. Mix cooked pasta with the pesto sauce, and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then bake until cheese is melted and golden.

7. Tex-Mex Pasta Bake: Mix cooked pasta with a combination of enchilada sauce and chipotle sauce for a Tex-Mex flavor. Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Top with a blend of Mexican cheeses and bake until bubbly and gooey.