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Caprese Penne Bake

A satisfying weeknight pasta dish featuring whole wheat penne, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, baked until golden and bubbly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 1/2 box whole wheat penne Use whole wheat for nuttier flavor.
  • 1 cup tomato sauce Jarred tomato sauce.
  • 1/4 cup sour cream Add to create a creamy sauce.
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Grated Parmesan.
Toppings
  • fresh mozzarella slices fresh mozzarella, sliced Use slices rather than shredded.
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes Halve before baking for even cooking.
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves Add some before baking and reserve for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Boil water.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  4. While pasta cooks, heat tomato sauce over low heat in a large saucepan.
  5. Once the sauce is warm, stir in sour cream and grated parmesan.
Assembly and Baking
  1. When pasta is done, drain it.
  2. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and turn off the heat.
  3. Add the cherry tomatoes and a few chopped basil leaves to the pasta.
  4. Spray a baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture.
  5. Top the pasta with sliced fresh mozzarella.
  6. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  7. Top with additional fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve the bake directly from the dish for a communal main course. Pair with a green salad or garlic toast. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.