Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A cheesy, satisfying pasta dish with roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs, baked until golden for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs Penne, Cherry tomatoes, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Penne
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly burst.
- Step 2: Cook 12 oz penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Mix until cheese is melted and pasta is coated.
- Step 4: Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Top with the roasted cherry tomatoes. Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Three-Cheese Baked Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The basil garnish was the perfect finishing touch—my kids actually asked for seconds on the pasta!
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! The combination of cheeses and roasted tomatoes made my weeknight dinner feel special.
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland without extra garlic, but the pasta cooked perfectly. Will add more herbs next time.
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