introduction
Caprese Penne is a simple baked pasta with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. It cooks fast and tastes fresh. This dish mixes warm pasta and creamy cheese for a family meal.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, uses few ingredients, and feels fresh. It is good for weeknights and for guests. The flavors are light and familiar.
how to make Caprese Penne
Ingredients :
- 1/2 box whole wheat penne
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Boil water.
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat tomato sauce over low heat in a large saucepan.
- Once the sauce is warm, stir in sour cream and grated parmesan.
- When pasta is done, drain it.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and turn off the heat.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and a few chopped basil leaves to the pasta.
- Spray a baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture.
- Top the pasta with sliced fresh mozzarella.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Top with additional fresh basil before serving.
how to serve Caprese Penne
Serve hot from the oven. Add a small basil sprig on top for color. Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
how to store Caprese Penne
Cool the pasta to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm or in the microwave in short bursts.
tips to make Caprese Penne
– Use fresh mozzarella and fresh basil for best flavor.
– Do not overcook the pasta; al dente holds up in the oven.
– Cut cherry tomatoes in half if large.
– Taste the sauce before baking and add salt or pepper if needed.
variation (if any)
You can add cooked chicken or Italian sausage for more protein. Swap sour cream for ricotta for a different creaminess. Use other short pasta if you do not have penne.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this without baking?
A: Yes. Mix the warm pasta and sauce with cheese and serve immediately, but the mozzarella will not be melted.
Q: Can I use regular penne instead of whole wheat?
A: Yes. Regular penne works the same way.
Q: How do I keep the tomatoes from becoming too soft?
A: Add the tomatoes after you mix the pasta and sauce, not while simmering the sauce. Cherry tomatoes hold up well.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It is not ideal to freeze once baked with fresh mozzarella. You can freeze the unbaked pasta mixture without fresh cheese and add mozzarella when baking.
Conclusion
For a simple, fresh baked pasta idea and more tips, see this Simple Caprese Penne Pasta recipe.