Portuguese Tomato and Cheese Pasta Bake

Name: Portuguese Tomato and Cheese Pasta Bake
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Portuguese
Ingredients: 100g pasta (your choice); 1 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned); 50g cheese (preferably a mix of cheddar and mozzarella); 1 egg; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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30 minTotal time

easyDifficulty

650kcal / serving

Ingredients

For 1 serving

servings

100g pasta (your choice)
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
50g cheese (preferably a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Ingredient substitutions

Butter Use the same amount of olive oil for a similar cooking fat, with a less buttery flavor.
Fresh or canned diced tomatoes Use an equal amount of drained canned chopped tomatoes in place of fresh, or fresh in place of canned.
Cheddar and mozzarella Use an equal amount of Monterey Jack for a similarly melty, mild cheese topping.
Dried oregano Use an equal amount of dried Italian seasoning for a similar herb note.

Nutrition per serving

Estimated values for 1 serving, 650 kcal

Protein27 g

Carbohydrates73 g

Fat27 g

Fiber 4 g · Sugar 5 g · Sodium 780 mg

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Indulge in this comforting Portuguese-inspired pasta bake, featuring creamy cheese, rich tomatoes, and a buttery finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Main Dish Portuguese

Steps

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced tomatoes, butter, half of the cheese, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
Transfer the mixture to a small baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Tips for Portuguese Tomato and Cheese Pasta Bake

A creamy center with a lightly set egg and browned, bubbling cheese signals a good bake; a dry, firm center suggests it stayed in the oven too long.
Use a small baking dish so the pasta mixture stays compact; a wide dish can make the top brown before the center sets.
Let it rest briefly before serving so the egg-set pasta holds together more neatly.

Drink pairing

A medium-bodied red like a Portuguese Dão
Its fresh acidity complements the rich cheese and butter while working well with the tomatoes and oregano.

0% option: Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and keep for 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell when the center is set?

The top should be golden and bubbling, and the center should look set rather than wet or liquid when gently checked.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

For best texture, bake it soon after mixing; the pasta can absorb tomato juices while it sits. If assembled ahead, cover and refrigerate, then bake until the center is set and hot.