Caprese Pasta Bake

This is a baked version of a caprese salad, using fresh tomato and mozzarella instead of a jarred sauce for a lighter, brighter pasta bake. A balsamic drizzle at the end is what really ties it back to the classic combination.

Fresh tomato instead of marinara keeps this tasting lighter and brighter than my other pasta bakes, closer to a caprese salad than a traditional red sauce dish. Mozzarella melts over the top the same way it would in any baked pasta.

Balsamic glaze added right before eating is what makes this taste like an actual caprese, so I always keep it separate until serving instead of baking it in. Fresh basil finishes it off with the same herbal note the salad has.

The recipe card has the full ingredient breakdown and bake time for all ten portions. Let it cool before portioning into containers, then refrigerate what you'll eat within four days and freeze the rest. Add the balsamic glaze and basil fresh when you're ready to eat.

Nutrition note: This is general food information, not individualized medical or nutrition advice.

Caprese Pasta Bake

YIELD

10 portions

ESTIMATED NUTRITION

430 calories • 20g protein • 57g carbs • 13g fat per portion

What I really like about this recipe is that it captures caprese salad flavors in a warm, bakeable format.

Ingredients

• 30 oz dry pasta, cooked

• 3 cups shredded mozzarella

• 7 1/2 tomatoes, sliced

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 3 tbsp balsamic glaze

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Toss the cooked pasta with olive oil, salt and pepper.

2. Layer the pasta with sliced tomato and mozzarella in a baking dish.

3. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

4. Let the food cool briefly, then divide it evenly among 10 airtight meal-prep containers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and basil just before eating.

Meal-prep notes: Refrigerate promptly and use refrigerated portions within 3–4 days; freeze any portions you will not eat in that window. Reheat hot meals until steaming. Nutrition is estimated per portion.