Description
This creamy and comforting Cream Cheese Pasta Bake combines juicy cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach with rich full-fat cream cheese to create a luscious sauce baked to perfection. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden, then tossed with pasta for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Tomato Mixture
- 20 oz. cherry tomatoes (2 pints)
- 1/2 small white onion, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cream Cheese
- 8 oz. full-fat cream cheese
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, gently torn
- 8 oz. pasta of choice, cooked and drained
- Basil, optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tomato and cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare Tomato Mixture: In an oven-safe casserole dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced onion, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Cream Cheese: Nestle the block of full-fat cream cheese right in the center of the tomato mixture in the dish.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cream cheese is golden on top and looks like it’s starting to fall apart.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomato and cream cheese are baking, cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well.
- Make Sauce: Remove the casserole dish from the oven. Using a spoon, gently smash the tomatoes down and stir the cream cheese into the mixture until it forms a creamy sauce.
- Add Spinach and Pasta: Stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts into the sauce. Then, mix in the cooked pasta until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal. Enjoyyyy!!
Notes
- Storage: Allow the pasta bake to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
- For a lighter version, substitute full-fat cream cheese with a reduced-fat alternative.
- Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before baking can add an extra layer of flavor.
- If you prefer a vegan option, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and ensure your pasta is egg-free.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
