This recipe is one of my favorites, from my most frequented food blogs.
(photo via)
I altered it for my own taste purposes (1 jar of pasta sauce instead of 1 cup), but I have been using this recipe for years because I love how easy it is. It’s relatively quick to make, and it is perfect served with garlic bread. It’s seen the likes of every dining opportunity – F.H.E dinners, first-date meals, and just normal weeknight feasts. Currently I’m enjoying my second bowl, hiding in my apartment from the snow with my roommates and watching chick flicks, (up next: Drive Me Crazy). A perfect after-an-excrucating-school-week meal.
Creamy Caprese Pasta
serves 4-6
1 pound whole wheat pasta (noodles such as penne work best)
1 cup of your favorite pasta/tomato sauce
1/3 cup heavy cream or half and half
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for garnish
4 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
1 pint of grape tomatoes (I cut some in half and left some whole)
1 bunch of fresh basil leaves
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Boil water and cook pasta according to directions.
While pasta is cooking, heat tomato sauce over low heat in a large saucepan. Once warm, stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan. Once pasta is done cooking, drain and dump into the sauce, mixing to coat and turning off heat. Fold in mozzarella cubes and tomatoes, then chop 3-4 fresh basil leaves and add them in too. Once combined, spray a baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the entire pasta mixture into the dish. Top with fresh mozzarella rounds. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Top with additional fresh basil and grated cheese. Serve with garlic bread. You can also add in chicken, steak or seafood for some protein.
