Description
A creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy cherry tomato pasta bake that brings together bold flavors and quick prep—perfect for busy nights or comforting weekend dinners.
Ingredients
Cherry tomatoes – 3 cups (halved)
Penne pasta – 12 oz
Fresh basil – 1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic (minced) – 4 cloves
Olive oil – 3 tbsp
Mozzarella (shredded) – 1 ½ cups
Parmesan – ¾ cup
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – ½ tsp
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add garlic, red pepper flakes, and tomatoes. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tomatoes begin to blister.
3. Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Add pasta to your skillet with the tomatoes. Stir in half the cheese and fresh basil. Mix everything well.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
7. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with extra basil, and serve hot.
Notes
Use fusilli or gluten-free pasta as needed.
Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina.
Add leftover honey lime chicken for a protein boost.
Pairs well with a fresh spinach salad or tortellini veggie pasta salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cherry tomato recipe, pasta bake, easy dinner, comfort food