Broccoli & Tomato Pasta Bake with Apple Crumble

A comforting pasta bake featuring broccoli, canned tomatoes, and spaghetti noodles topped with cheese and served with an apple crumble.

Ingredients

• 1 large head Broccoli florets
• 1 (28 ounce) can Canned diced tomatoes
• 225g Spaghetti noodles
• 8 oz, sliced Fresh mozzarella cheese
• 4 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 medium, diced Onion
• 2 Large Gala Apples
• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup Light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), cubed Cold unsalted butter
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp (optional) Red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons, grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Steam or boil broccoli until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, roast broccoli florets tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
3. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another minute.
4. Pour in canned diced tomatoes, bring to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked spaghetti, broccoli, and tomato sauce. Add 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir in chopped fresh basil.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with fresh mozzarella slices and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
8. While the pasta bake is in the oven, prepare the apple crumble: Dice the apples into small pieces. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cubed cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
9. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the diced apples in a separate baking dish.
10. Bake the apple crumble alongside the pasta bake for the last 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
11. Let both the pasta bake and apple crumble cool slightly before serving.

Cuisine: Italian

Suitability:

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: 40 mins

Serving Size: 3

Meal Type: dinner