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Recipe by:

Dana Ramsey

Creamy Stanley Tucci Pasta Casserole for Holidays

This Stanley Tucci Pasta Casserole is a creamy, flavorful dish that's perfect for cozy holiday gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Ingredients
  • 1 pound short pasta (cavatappi recommended)
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish Greased
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add 1 pound of short pasta. Cook until al dente, typically about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside, making sure not to rinse to help the sauce adhere.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle the olive oil. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, allowing it to simmer for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
  4. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the cooked pasta. The mixture will transform into a rich and creamy delight!
  5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness before serving.

Notes

This dish truly exemplifies comfort food at its finest and brings a touch of home and nostalgia to gatherings.