Tomato and basil pasta bake

Perfect for vegetarians, this tasty meal is packed with flavour, fibre and nutrients.
Preparation Time 10 minutes
Cooking Time 50 minutes

Ingredients (serves 4)
* 300g dried wholemeal fusilli pasta
* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1 leek, pale section only, halved, washed, thinly sliced
* 1 carrot, peeled, finely chopped
* 1 celery stick, ends trimmed, finely chopped
* 2 garlic cloves, crushed
* 2 x 400g cans diced tomatoes
* 2 tbs shredded fresh basil
* 120g (1/2 cup) fresh low-fat ricotta, crumbled
* Shredded fresh basil, extra, to serve


Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Cook the pasta in a large saucepan of salted boiling water following packet directions or until al dente. Drain. Return to pan.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the leek, carrot and celery, and cook, stirring, for 6 minutes or until soft. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
3. Add the tomato and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil. Season with pepper.
4. Add the tomato mixture to the pasta and toss to combine. Transfer to a 1.5L (6-cup) capacity ovenproof dish. Top with ricotta. Bake in oven for 30 minutes or until golden. Top with extra basil to serve.

Notes & tips
* To freeze, cover cooled pasta bake with 2 sheets of plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in fridge. Preheat oven to 180°C. Unwrap and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.

Source
Australian Good Taste
Recipe by Chrissy Freer