Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 1 pound dry pasta (small or medium sized works best)
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 jar (23.50 ounces marinara sauce or any tomato-based pasta sauce)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (divided)
  • 4 ounces mozzarella pearls (divided)
  • 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes (halved, divided)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (divided)

Instruction

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Butter or spray a 3-quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • Fill a large pot with water and add 1-teaspoon table salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper and dried basil. Bring water to a boil and cook pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
  • While pasta cooks, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, 2 ounces mozzarella pearls, 1-cup cherry tomatoes and 2 tablespoons fresh basil in a large bowl and mix well.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 2 ounces mozzarella pearls and 1 cup grape tomatoes.
  • Cook 30 minutes, or until hot throughout. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons fresh basil.
  • Enjoy!