Mediterranean Olive Pasta Bake

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   6 min hands-on

   • Peel and thinly slice the garlic.
   • Drain and roughly chop the capers.
   • Slice the olives into small pieces.
   • Separate basil leaves from stalks.
   • Break vegetarian fillets into small pieces with a fork.

2. Cook Garlic and Spices

   2 min hands-on

   • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.
   • Stir in cayenne pepper to release aroma.

3. Add Capers and Olives

   2 min hands-on

   • Add chopped capers and olives to the saucepan.
   • Stir for 1-2 minutes to coat in oil and distribute flavors.

4. Make Tomato Sauce

   3 min hands-on15 min waiting

   • Pour in tomato sauce and stir.
   • Add fresh tomatoes, chopping as they cook.
   • Stir in basil stalks, sugar, and a portion of water.
   • Season with salt and black pepper.
   • Simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

5. Cook Pasta

   4 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook pasta until al dente, 2 minutes less than package instructions.
   • Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

6. Combine and Season

   3 min hands-on

   • Preheat oven to high broil.
   • Remove basil stalks from sauce and discard.
   • Stir cooked pasta, vegetarian fillet pieces, and most basil leaves into sauce.
   • Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

7. Assemble and Broil

   2 min hands-on3 min waiting

   • Transfer pasta mixture to an ovenproof dish.
   • Top with cheddar cheese slices for full coverage.
   • Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.

8. Garnish and Serve

   1 min hands-on

   • Remove dish from oven and garnish with remaining basil leaves.
   • Serve immediately while hot.
   • Cooking tips:
   • Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
   • Blend fresh tomatoes for a smoother sauce.
   • Do not overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
   • Increase cayenne or add chili flakes for a spicier dish.