Recipe

Foolproof Dinner: Pasta Bake alla College Student

Sometimes you just can't eat at the dining halls. Whether you don't feel like leaving your dorm or can't handle another buffet meal, I have a solution for you: pasta bake with very few ingredients and very minimal effort.

You should be able to find all of these ingredients at the nearest grocery store. My dorm has a small convenience store in it, and I found everything there. Yes, that's right. I made a meal without once stepping outside. So, for all of you lazy (or not lazy) cooks out there, enjoy this easy dish. The people in your hall will be very impressed.

Pasta Bake with Tomatoes, Bacon and Cheese

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Servings: 2

Ingredients

Water to boil
1 bag pasta--I used rigatoni
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 box cherry tomatoes
Gouda cheese--as much or as little as you want
2-3 pieces bacon
Salt and pepper to taste

Samantha Aronson

Step 1

Boil half a pot of water. Preheat the oven to 350°.

Photo by Daniel Schuleman

Step 2

When the water comes to a boil, add in the pasta. Cook according to box directions, minus a minute or two. While the pasta is cooking, slice the cheese thinly and cut the cherry tomatoes in half.

Samantha Aronson

Step 3

Cook the bacon according to directions. I used the microwave, but you'll get it extra crispy if you put it on the stove. Dab it with a paper towel to get extra grease off. Then, break it into small pieces.

Samantha Aronson

Step 4

Strain the pasta when done cooking. Place the pasta in a bowl. Pour the olive oil and salt and pepper in. Mix. Add in the tomatoes and bacon, and stir.

Samantha Aronson

Step 5

Place the cheese so it covers the top of the pasta.

Samantha Aronson

Step 6

Bake for 25-35 minutes, and voilà!

Samantha Aronson

Well, there you have it. I know I'll be making this for dinner tonight as it's pouring outside and 40 degrees. See ya later, dining hall. I'm eating well tonight, and so can you.