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To make this creamy and tasty pasta bake, gather these items: - 300g penne pasta - 200g cream cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil You can swap some ingredients if needed. Try these options: - Use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli or rigatoni. - Swap cream cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese for a different flavor. - Replace mozzarella with cheddar cheese for a sharper taste. - If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, use diced regular tomatoes instead. - For a green touch, add kale or broccoli instead of spinach. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Here are some tips: - Choose firm, bright cherry tomatoes. They should feel heavy for their size. - Look for spinach leaves that are vibrant and crisp, not wilted. - Check cream cheese for freshness; it should be smooth and creamy. - Select pasta with no cracks or breaks in the shape. - When buying garlic, pick bulbs that are firm and dry without soft spots. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This makes sure your pasta bake cooks evenly. Cook 300g of penne pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of spinach leaves. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, 200g of cream cheese, and half of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add in the sautéed tomato and spinach mix. Stir it all together until everything is well mixed. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like heat), salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the flavors blend nicely. Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful dish! To get the best creaminess in your Cream Cheese Pasta Bake, start with softened cream cheese. This helps it mix well with other ingredients. You want a smooth and creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. This water is starchy and helps blend everything nicely. Mixing in half of the mozzarella cheese also boosts creaminess. It melts well and adds a lovely texture. You can easily change this dish for different diets. For a vegan option, swap cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. Use vegan mozzarella as well. If you want a gluten-free version, try gluten-free penne pasta. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. This keeps the dish colorful and tasty, while still being healthy. Leftovers from this pasta bake can be a treat. You can mix them into a salad for a quick lunch. Just chop some greens and toss them with the pasta. Another idea is to make a pasta soup. Add broth and some extra veggies to warm it up. You can also use the leftovers for stuffed peppers. Just fill the peppers with the pasta mix and bake until the peppers are tender. This gives you a whole new meal with little effort! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your pasta bake, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in different types of cheese like feta or gouda for a unique twist on the classic cheesy flavor. Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or beans to add extra protein and make the dish more filling. Perfect the Bake: Keep an eye on the pasta bake while it’s in the oven; cover it with foil if the cheese is browning too quickly to ensure it bakes evenly. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to this dish. Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp work well. Just chop them into small pieces. Mix them in with the pasta for added flavor. You can also use canned tuna or chickpeas for a quick option. They add protein and keep the dish filling. If you want a vegetarian twist, use different veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. They add great taste and color. You can also use more spinach or kale. They keep it healthy and flavorful. Just sauté them with garlic before mixing with pasta. To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a bright taste. You can also use lemon zest for a fresh kick. For a spicy touch, more red pepper flakes can help. If you like cheese, add more Parmesan on top before baking. Each of these options makes your dish unique and tasty. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Use an airtight container. Place the pasta bake in the container. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. When ready to eat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of water or milk to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Divide the pasta bake into portions. This makes it easy to thaw later. Label the containers with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake as mentioned above. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne works well, but you can try rotini, fusilli, or even shells. Just cook the pasta until it's al dente. This way, it will hold up well during baking. Different shapes add fun and texture to your dish. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also include diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. These additions give your dish a nice kick. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad. A simple side salad with lettuce, cucumbers, and a light dressing works great. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It complements the creamy sauce and adds crunch. Check for bubbly cheese and a golden top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C). You can also insert a knife in the center. If it comes out hot, your dish is ready. Let it cool before serving. Enjoy your creamy delight! This blog post covered everything you need for a perfect cream cheese pasta bake. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and clever storage tips. You learned how to select fresh items and substitute effectively. Remember, you can add protein or go vegetarian based on your needs. Don't forget to use leftovers in creative ways. With these tips, you’ll make a tasty dish that everyone loves! Enjoy your cooking!

Creamy Dreamy Cheese Pasta Bake

A deliciously creamy pasta bake with cheese, tomatoes, and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g penne pasta
  • 200 g cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne, cream cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and the sautéed tomato and spinach mixture. Stir until fully combined.
  • Season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve in the baking dish or portioned out on plates, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color!
Keyword bake, cheese, creamy, pasta, vegetarian