Balsamic Pizza Pasta Bake

Can’t decide between your favourite Italian dishes? Have this meal on the table in a flash and you’ll keep the whole family happy!

Ingredients

• 500g short pasta of choice (ie macaroni, orecchiette)
• 150g sliced pepperoni, mild or hot
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red onion, diced
• 150g mushrooms, sliced
• 1 red capsicum, diced
• 2 teaspoons crushed garlic
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
• 400g crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Lirah Caramelised Garlic Balsamic
• Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup mozzarella
• 1 cup tasty cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• Fresh basil or oregano, to serve

Method

1. Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
3. Cut pepperoni slices into quarters.
4. Heat oil in a fry pan over medium heat. Add the onion, mushroom, capsicum and pepperoni and fry for approx. 5 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add garlic and olives and cook a further minute.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes and Lirah Caramelised Garlic Balsamic. Bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer for 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until thickened. Season well.
6. Stir in cooked pasta then pour into an ovenproof baking dish and level the top with a spatula.
7. Sprinkle with both cheeses, dried oregano and basil and bake in the pre heated oven for 30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
8. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve with garlic bread on the side.