Smokey Leek & Tomato Pasta Bake

Leeks are in season right now, and what better way to brighten up your midweek meals with this smoky leek and tomato bow tie pasta bake!

It’s pure comfort in a baking dish and made with just a handful of ingredients, including grilled peppers and tangy balsamic vinegar. Topped with a crunchy and cheesy breadcrumb mix, it’s a perfectly satisfying dish to enjoy any night of the week.

55 mins

4 people

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INGREDIENTS

2 tbsp Mr Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus extra for greasing

1 large white onion, peeled and finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1 leek, cleaned and thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)

80g grilled red peppers, sliced

1 tin Mr Organic Chopped Tomatoes

1 tbsp Mr Organic Balsamic Vinegar

1 tsp smoked paprika

300ml vegetable stock

Salt and pepper to taste

For the crunchy topping:

40g golden breadcrumbs

30g vegan cheese, finely grated

2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 tsp olive oil

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C and grease a 20cm x 30cm deep baking dish with olive oil.
2. In the greased baking dish, toss the chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until the onions start to soften.
3. While the onions are cooking, boil water in a large pot and cook the bow tie pasta for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
4. Once the onions are softened, add the sliced leeks, grilled red peppers, chopped tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and smoked paprika to the baking dish. Stir to combine, then add in the pasta and stir until evenly coated. Pour in the vegetable stock, ensuring the liquid covers the pasta mixture.
5. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and return it to the oven for 45 minutes.
6. In the meantime, mix together the breadcrumbs, vegan cheese, and chopped parsley with a spoonful of olive oil in a small bowl.
7. After the pasta has baked for 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
8. Allow the pasta bake to rest out of the oven for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help the sauce to thicken. Serve warm and enjoy!