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You need this Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake today.
Itโs got tons and tons of basil.
My very favorite summer herb.
As if you did not notice.
Itโs also loaded with tons and tons of sweet grape tomatoes.
Another summer favorite of mine. In fact, they are my favorite variety of tomatoes. Okay, well actually I think I like heirloom tomatoes the mostโฆ.
But of course, I can never, ever find them and when I do?
I totally can not afford them.
So I pretty much always go for the cute little grape tomatoes.
They never fail me.
So I am on a bit of a quinoa kick.
I think most of the world is. Itโs quick, itโs good, itโs hearty and itโs healthy.
But I went and made it so much better today.
I combined it with fresh tomatoes, basil, a little cream and a lot of cheese.
Then I melted that cheese in the oven.
Yes, the oven. Trust me this is worth turning the oven on for, plus it is only a short cooking time.
Just a few minutes under the broiler and you have ooey gooey cheesy quinoa.
Like a melty caprese pasta, but with quinoa. Itโs a pretty good twist.
Itโs so good.
Plus simple, easy and so quick.
Just what every Monday needs.
Oh, and apparently I feel Monday needs lots of photos too.
Photos are easier on the brain anyway.
Itโs a good way to ease into the week.
Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella, divided
- 1/2-1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large bunch fresh basil, cut into ribbons
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Heat tomato sauce and tomato paste over low heat in a large saucepan. Once warm, stir in heavy cream, parmesan, crushed red pepper, salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the quinoa. Fold in half of the mozzarella and half of the tomatoes, then chop 6 fresh basil leaves and add them in too. Once combined, spray an 8x8 or 9x9 baking dish with non-stick spray and pour the entire quinoa mixture into the dish. Top with fresh mozzarella rounds or shredded mozzarella and the remaining tomatoes.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes and then turn the broiler on and broil for 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil ribbons. Allow to sit five minutes and then serve.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
Oh, and so is cheese, lots and lots of cheese โย Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake!
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Iโve made this several times and I think it is outstanding! Do you think it would be just as good if I used farro instead of quinoa?
Hey Cathie,
Fantastic! I appreciate you making this recipe and your notes, love to hear it was enjoyed! Sure, I bet farro would be delicious!
Have a great holiday week!๐๐
Have been making this recipe for years and still love it ! If I want to double it, can I make it in a 9 by 13 pan or am I better off making 2 8 by 8 dishes ?
Love to hear this Gabrielle!! I would do 2 dishes, I think that will work best:)
How long do you bake from frozen?
I should have doubled the recipe because I didn’t want to share!
Hey Jerri,
I appreciate you giving this recipe a try, so glad to hear it turned out nicely for you! Have a great summer weekend!
I enjoyed the flavor of this recipe and the 2 cups cooked quinoa gave me pause as I wasnโt sure if 1 dry cup gave me two cups cooked or if I needed 2 cups dry. It would be helpful to clarify.
Hi Devon,
Typically 1 cup of dry equals 2 cups of cooked. Thanks for giving this recipe a try! Happy Friday! xx
Would this work with pesto?
Hey Em,
Sure, that sounds delicious! Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Yummmm!!! Can this be frozen in portions?!
Hey Ebony,
Totally, that should work nicely for you! I hope you love this recipe! xT
This is a favorite recipe- I get compliments every time I bring to a gathering. Friends ask for the recipe, too. Love your recipes- thanks for creating beautiful tasty dishes!
Hi Nicole,
Happy Sunday!!๐๐ฅฅ Thank you so much for trying this recipe and your feedback, so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xT
I’d like to take this to a potluck. Can it be reheated?
We freeze it to take camping and I think itโs even better re-heated. I love this dish!
Thanks Kay!!
Hi, do you reheat from frozen or let it thaw?
Hi Sabrina,
You could heat from frozen or thaw first:)
Hi Joan,
Sure, that would be just fine for you to do! I hope you love this recipe, let me know if you have any other questions! xx
My friend made this for us and it was AMAZING. My husband loves meet with dinner though so I am wondering if there is any recipe you would suggest to go with this! Like possibly a chicken with this on the side?
Thank you!
Hey Mary Beth,
So glad to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! Sure, here are some chicken recipes you might enjoy:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/florentine-butter-chicken/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/basil-chicken-saltimbocca/
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/pesto-caprese-chicken/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Balsamic chicken!!!