Farfalle gratin with tomato sauce and cheese: an express dinner for the whole family

There are evenings when you long for a simple, generous and comforting dish. Farfalle gratin with tomato sauce and cheese is the perfect answer. This classic family dish has been enjoyed by young and old alike for decades.

A convivial dish that crosses generations

Pasta au gratin is one of those recipes that brings people together around the table. They evoke family Sundays and no-fuss meals. As a result, it remains a staple of everyday gastronomy.

This type of preparation requires little time and fewingredients. All you need is farfalle, tomato sauce and grated cheese. The result is a tasty dish that doesn’t require excessive effort.

Farfalle, the pretty butterfly-shaped pasta, adds a touch of originality. Their particular shape holds the sauce well between its folds. What’s more, they offer a pleasant texture beneath the golden crust.

“Everyday cooking becomes extraordinary when it’s prepared with love and shared with those we love.”

The secrets of successful preparation

Cooking the pasta is the first crucial step. Keep it slightly al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven. This tip guarantees a perfect texture in the final dish.

Tomato sauce deserves special attention. Whether homemade or store-bought, it must be well seasoned. However, a simple coulis seasoned with herbs will do the trick.

How to make this gratin step by step

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to the boil. Dip around 300 grams of farfalle into the water for eight minutes. Drain, reserving some of the cooking water.

Meanwhile, heat your tomato sauce in a frying pan. Add your favorite spices, such as basil or oregano. This way, the flavors develop harmoniously.

• Preheat oven to 180°C before starting.
• Use a buttered gratin dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
• Mix the farfalle with the sauce before pouring into the dish.
• Spread the grated cheese generously over the entire surface.
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.

Mix the drained pasta with the hot tomato sauce. Pour into a buttered casserole dish. Top with a generous layer of grated cheese.

The choice of cheese greatly influences the final result. Emmental offers a pleasant stringiness, while Parmesan adds more character. A blend of the two is often the best compromise.

Tips for customizing your recipe

This dish lends itself to many variations, depending on your tastes. You can add vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms. In this way, you can effortlessly increase your nutritional intake.

For a more gourmet version, add bacon or diced ham. Thrill-seekers will appreciate a pinch of hot pepper. Children, on the other hand, often prefer the classic version.

Why this gratin is so popular with families

The practicality of this recipe partly explains its success. It takes less than 45 minutes to prepare, including cooking. It also easily feeds four to six people.

Value for money remains unbeatable for this type of preparation. The ingredients are readily available and inexpensive. Yet the result is reminiscent of Italian restaurant dishes.

This dish reheats very well the next day in the oven or microwave. This makes it an invaluable ally for weekday meals. What’s more, the leftovers make excellent lunch boxes for the office.

The creamy texture under the crispy crust is a unique taste experience. Each bite combines the melt-in-your-mouth texture of the pasta with the crunch of the grilled cheese. This duality is the charm of this traditional gratin.

• gratin