Go Back
–+ servings
CAPRESE Pasta Bake

Delicious Caprese Pasta Bake for a Cozy Weeknight Meal

Enjoy this CAPRESE Pasta Bake, a quick weeknight dinner full of vibrant flavors and comforting Italian vibes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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 Base
  • 1.5 cups Dried Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
For the Tomato Mixture
  • 8 ounces Cherry Tomatoes Heirloom or ripe tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is recommended for best taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can be replaced with avocado oil.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper Freshly cracked is preferable.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Using kosher or sea salt improves flavor distribution.
  • 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Omit if sensitive to spice.
For the Vegetables
  • 3 ounces Baby Spinach Arugula can be a peppery alternative for a twist.
  • 3 tablespoons Basil Pesto Homemade or store-bought works wonders.
For the Cheese Topping
  • 5 ounces Fresh Mozzarella Burrata makes an excellent, indulgent substitute.
  • 1 handful Fresh Basil Leaves Parsley can be used as an alternative.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Baking dish
  • 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 rolling boil. Add 1½ cups of dried pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a deep baking dish, combine 8 ounces of cherry tomatoes and 3 cloves of minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with ¼ teaspoon of black pepper and toss gently. Roast in the oven for 7-8 minutes.
  4. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the drained pasta, 3 ounces of baby spinach, and 3 tablespoons of basil pesto to the dish. Toss until well-coated.
  5. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
  6. Tear 5 ounces of fresh mozzarella into chunks and distribute over the top. Bake for 3-4 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove from oven and garnish with red chili flakes and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Caprese Pasta Bake is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with various vegetables and pasta types.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!