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Caprese penne baked pasta with tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil

Caprese Penne Baked Pasta with Tomato, Basil, and Cheese

Caprese Penne is a creamy baked pasta with a fresh tomato, basil, and melted cheese finish. This comforting dish is a great choice for an easy weeknight meal or a warm gathering centerpiece.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 335
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 1/2 box whole wheat penne
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Toppings and Garnish
  • fresh mozzarella, sliced (sliced provolone works in a pinch)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (some halved, some left whole)
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, warm the tomato sauce over low heat in a large saucepan. Stir in the sour cream and grated parmesan once the sauce is heated.
Assembly
  1. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the sauce mixture, stirring until coated. Turn off the heat, then mix in the tomatoes and a few chopped basil leaves.
  2. Coat a baking dish with non-stick spray and transfer the pasta mixture into the dish. Cover the top with the sliced cheese.
Baking
  1. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Finish with additional fresh basil.

Notes

Use a mix of halved and whole cherry tomatoes to keep different textures throughout the baked pasta.