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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
Oh my gosh, you are right. I really DO need this today. Thank you for sharing this recipe, I have a bag of quinoa I have no clue what to do with, and this looks amazing!
Ya! This sound perfect for then! Thank you!
Aaaaanndd THUD! That was my jaw hitting the floor after looking at these pics. You’re killing me with all this deliciousness!
Haha! Thank you, Gerry!
WOW!! I am doing a quinoa series on my blog this week, where quinoa will be the main ingredient in all of the dishes I am preparing. I might have to add this one to the list!!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Roxanne @TheROXXBox
Thanks Roxanne!
Wow, this looks incredibly good! Great way to try to get my kids to eat quinoa.
Thank you so much, Jeanette!
I love this recipe. My husband was just saying how he’s anti quinoa and wants me to make it so he’ll like it. YUM!
This is perfect then. It’s got load of cheese, which everybody loves!
Thanks Dorothy!
Majorly drooling over here. This looks SO good. All that cheese is making me drool.
Thank you so much, Rachel!
This sounds heavenly!!! Could I use reduced-fat or fat free milk instead of the heavy cream to cut some calories?
Hmm. I am not sure. I would think it would not turn out as creamy, but still be really good. I would say it is worth a try, but just do not expect it to be super creamy.
Hope you love this!
Pure comfort food, I love it!
Thank you, Julie!
I’m loving the non-traditional use of quinoa – I have some picky customers but what doesn’t taste good with basil, cheese and tomato. I also love your style of writing.
Thank you so much, Jessica!
You take the best pictures ever! Every time that you post a new recipe, I always want to reach into my computer screen and grab it!! 😉
Thank you so much, Hannah!! I am so glad you like my photos and recipes!!!
Really looks yummy. I’m closer to being a vegetarian than my wife, but to “sell” this to her as a one pot meal I may add some shredded chicken to it. I’ll let you know how it turns out!
Chicken would be a great addition! Hope you guys love this!
I love how the quinoa makes this total health food. And all that ooey gooey cheese is the BEST added bonus!
Yes, I love that too!! Thanks Joanne!
Yes, yes, and yes! I’ve never made a quinoa bake/casserole type dish and this is making my mouth do some serious watering/happy dance!
Thank you, Julia!
I DO need this!!! Looks wonderful and your pictures are great!!!
Thank you so much, Robyn!
I’m all over this!! 🙂
Thanks Lauren!