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You need this Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake today.
It’s got tons and tons of basil.
My very favorite summer herb.
As if you did not notice.
It’s 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 most….
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. It’s quick, it’s good, it’s hearty and it’s 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. It’s a pretty good twist.
It’s 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.
It’s a good way to ease into the week.
Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake
Servings: 6 servings
Calories Per Serving: 400 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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.
Oh, and so is cheese, lots and lots of cheese – Creamy Caprese Quinoa Bake!
This post was originally published on July 29, 2013
This looks like one savory and absolutely delicious dinner recipe my whole family will enjoy. Is it dinner time yet?! I can’t wait to make this! Thanks for a fantastic recipe.
Thank you so much, Laura! I hope you and your family love this!
Love this recipe. Is there anything I could replace the cream with?
You could try using milk, but I am sure it would be as creamy. Still delicious though! Although, coconut milk would be SO good!!I think I need to remake this with coconut milk. YUM!
Hope you love it!
You mentioned that you couldn’t find heirloom tomatoes I live in Mo. in a apartment but I have a small enough area to plant some things I order my seeds but our local greenhouses had them this year so I didn’t have to start them.My brandy is the size of a slice of bread I am happy to say but my grapes are doing nothing but we are having a dry spell here and weird weather
I stumbled upon your blog earlier today and it made my day! You’re so young yet so incredibly talented! May ask what lens you use? 🙂
keep up the very good work xx
Awe, thank you so much!! I am so happy you like my site!! I use a 50 mm macro cannon lens and love it!
Thanks again, Maria!
I am finding myself using quinoa more and more. And with all that cheese! Well, cheese is good. Very good!
Cheese is very, very, very good! LOL!
Thanks Pam!
Gahh, this looks so wonderful! Your pictures are amazing, especially the one with all that gorgeous mozzarella stretching off the spoon. <3
I love quinoa, and I've been trying to find yummy ways to use it. I'm bookmarking & pinning this. 🙂
Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Abbie!!
I agree I do need this.
Hehe! You do!
Thanks Meagan!
Yum! This combines two of my favourite foods, quinoa and caprese salad!
Thanks Kevin!
This is summer, perfected!
Thanks Cassie!
I’m oh so totally making this.
Yes! Thanks Carrian!
That melty, brown cheese is calling my name! This looks dangerously yummy 🙂
Basil, how do I love thee? On, in, and around EVERYTHING! This looks like cheesy summer heaven. Yes please!
Thanks Erin! I am a basilaholic these days!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen quinoa made this way!!! YUM
Thanks Steph!
Tieghan, that looks downright delicious. I can’t wait to try it! The photos are wonderful!
Thank you so much, Melanie!
It’s like mac n cheese – only with quinoa replacing the mac – this “quin cheese” looks so good for EVERYDAY consumption!
Yup!! Thanks Shashi!
You’re so, so right… I totally need this TO-DAY!
Haha! Thanks Ashley!
Sounds great! How many servings does this make? I want to make this for a potluck dinner.
this serves about 4-6. 4 as a main, 6 as a side!