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Caprese Pasta Bake

Indulge in a comforting dish that captures the vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad with a delightful twist—introducing the Caprese Pasta Bake! This scrumptious recipe combines tender penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and creamy mozzarella, all baked to bubbly perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1.5 cups Dried Penne Pasta

Vegetables

  • 8 ounces Cherry Tomatoes
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 0.125 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
  • 3 ounces Baby Spinach Leaves
  • 3 tablespoons Basil Pesto Add more if needed
  • 5 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Sliced or torn

Garnish

  • Fresh Basil Leaves For serving

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Step 2: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the dried penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Step 4: Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Then, toss in the baby spinach and let it wilt down, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed mixture with the cooked pasta and basil pesto. Toss everything together until well coated.
  • Step 6: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.
  • Step 7: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
  • Step 8: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Notes

For an extra cheesy experience, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking. Feel free to use a different shape of pasta, such as fusilli or rigatoni.
Keyword Easy