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CAPRESE Pasta Bake

Caprese Pasta Bake: A Flavor-Packed Dish for Cozy Nights

Enjoy a delicious Caprese Pasta Bake filled with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1.5 cups Dried Pasta use penne or similar shapes for the best texture
For the Sauce
  • 8 ounces Cherry Tomatoes any small tomatoes work, roasting enhances their sweetness
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil substitute with avocado oil if preferred
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt feel free to adjust to your taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper freshly cracked is best for bolder flavor
  • Red Chili Flakes to taste; add for a kick or omit for milder dish
For the Greens
  • 3 ounces Baby Spinach fresh kale or Swiss chard can serve as substitutes
For Flavors
  • 3 tablespoons Basil Pesto homemade or store-bought works great
  • 5 ounces Fresh Mozzarella sliced or torn; burrata can be a creamy alternative
  • Fresh Basil Leaves for serving; adds fresh herb flavor

Equipment

  • Baking Dish
  • Large pot
  • Oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 1 1/2 cups of dried pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a deep baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper. Roast for 7-8 minutes.
  4. Remove the baking dish from the oven and add the drained pasta, baby spinach, and basil pesto to the roasted tomatoes. Toss to combine.
  5. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven and top with torn fresh mozzarella. Bake for another 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
  7. Let it rest for a minute and serve hot with fresh basil leaves and red chili flakes if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.

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