Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

This Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, creamy sauce with tender pasta, bursting with the freshness of ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, and it’s easy enough to prepare for a busy weeknight. With layers of creamy cheese sauce and roasted cherry tomatoes, this pasta bake is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying—ideal for anyone who loves a classic baked pasta dish with a fresh twist!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Here’s why this dish will become a staple in your recipe repertoire:

Rich and Creamy

The creamy cheese sauce makes every bite indulgent and comforting, perfectly complementing the pasta and fresh vegetables.

Bursting with Fresh Flavors

The cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, and the basil provides a fresh, aromatic finish that makes this dish light and flavorful.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, a special Sunday dinner, or a dish to bring to a potluck, this creamy pasta bake fits the bill.

Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is easy to prepare and assemble—just layer and bake!

Crowd-Pleasing

Everyone loves a cheesy pasta bake, and this one’s made even better with the addition of juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with all ages.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil:

Pasta

Choose a hearty pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti that will hold up well in the creamy sauce and bake evenly.

Cherry Tomatoes

These sweet, juicy tomatoes add a fresh burst of flavor. You can either roast them for extra sweetness or toss them in raw for a lighter, fresher taste.

Fresh Basil

Basil adds a wonderful herbal note and enhances the dish with its fragrance. Fresh basil leaves are best for this recipe.

Garlic

Garlic enhances the flavor of the creamy sauce and adds a depth of savory taste.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream forms the base of the creamy sauce, making it rich and velvety.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and a slight tang to the sauce, making it irresistible.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated parmesan cheese provides a savory, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella melts beautifully and gives the dish a gooey, cheesy topping that’s impossible to resist.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and cook the tomatoes for added depth of flavor.

Salt and Pepper

Seasoning with salt and pepper brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients and balances the richness of the sauce.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Ready to make this creamy and flavorful pasta bake? Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, making sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

2. Roast the Cherry Tomatoes

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to burst and caramelize.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

While the tomatoes roast, heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, and grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until smooth and creamy. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Pasta Bake

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce and roasted cherry tomatoes. Tear fresh basil leaves into small pieces and fold them into the mixture for added flavor.

5. Add Mozzarella

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the pasta evenly.

6. Bake the Pasta

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with extra fresh basil and serve hot. This pasta bake is perfect with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 450
Fat: 27g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 14g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 400mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

With Garlic Bread

Serve this creamy pasta bake with a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

With a Fresh Salad

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy pasta, balancing the flavors.

With a Side of Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant add color and extra nutrition to your meal.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
• Add Protein: For an extra boost of protein, add cooked chicken, sausage, or even bacon to the pasta mixture.
• Make It Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian, but feel free to add other veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
• Make Ahead: You can assemble this pasta bake ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up in the bake.

Q2: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
A2: Fresh basil works best for this recipe, but if you only have dried basil, you can use it. Just use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil in place of the fresh leaves.

Q3: Can I add meat to this pasta bake?
A3: Yes! Grilled chicken, sausage, or even ground beef would make a great addition to the dish. Just make sure to cook the meat before adding it to the pasta.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q5: Can I freeze this pasta bake?
A5: Yes! You can freeze the assembled pasta bake before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as instructed.

Q6: How can I make this recipe lighter?
A6: To lighten up the recipe, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella, and substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Q7: Can I make this pasta bake gluten-free?
A7: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Q8: What other vegetables can I add?
A8: You can add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Q9: Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the creamy sauce?
A9: Yes, if you prefer a tomato-based pasta bake, you can swap out the creamy sauce for marinara or your favorite tomato sauce.

Q10: How do I know when the pasta bake is done?
A10: The pasta bake is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Conclusion

Creamy Pasta Bake with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, juicy roasted tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this pasta bake is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!

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