# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni
→ Sauce
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
08 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
09 - 1 teaspoon salt
10 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 2 cups vegetable broth or water
→ Cheeses
12 - 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
→ Garnish
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F
02 - In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
04 - Add the uncooked pasta and vegetable broth. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.
05 - Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches al dente texture.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses until melted and incorporated.
07 - Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella, cheddar, and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface of the pasta mixture.
08 - Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling around the edges.
09 - Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil before serving.
