Delicious CAPRESE Pasta Bake for Quick Comfort Food Nights

This CAPRESE Pasta Bake is a comforting, easy dish packed with flavor, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz Dried Pasta Choose penne or your favorite shape.

For the Roasted Tomatoes

1 pint Cherry Tomatoes Fresh and juicy.
2 cloves Garlic Freshly minced.
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil High-quality for richness.
1 tsp Salt Adjust according to taste.
1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper Freshly ground.
1/4 tsp Red Chili Flakes Optional for extra kick.

For the Filling

4 cups Baby Spinach Fresh.
1/4 cup Basil Pesto Herbaceous brightness.

For the Topping

8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Sliced or torn.
1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves For garnishing.

Equipment

baking dish
large pot

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions for CAPRESE Pasta Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the dried pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a deep baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red chili flakes. Roast for 7–8 minutes.
Mix in the hot pasta, fresh baby spinach, and basil pesto. Toss gently until well combined.
Return the mixture to the oven for an additional 3 minutes.
Top with fresh mozzarella and bake for another 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Serve immediately for the best experience. Can be customized with gluten-free pasta or grilled chicken.

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