1-First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the stage for that melty, baked goodness. Then, place the two rounds of cheese and the tomatoes in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish for even cooking.

2-Drizzle the dish with three to four tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle on the four minced garlic cloves, salt, pepper, and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bake it uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the cheese melts into a creamy base.

3-While the bake is in the oven, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook 10 to 16 ounces of your preferred pasta according to the package instructions, then reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining. This step is crucial for that silky sauce texture.

4-Once the bake is done, combine the baked tomatoes and cheese with the cooked pasta and reserved water. Stir in the quarter cup of fresh basil and one cup of chopped baby spinach if you’re using it. Finally, top with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed. The whole process takes about 5 minutes of prep and 30 to 35 minutes of baking, making it ideal for busy evenings.