Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a delicious and satisfying dish.
Author:Lisa
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, stirring until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving.
Notes
This dish can be customized with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.