Name: Caprese Casserole
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces whole-wheat penne; 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup diced white onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24 ounce) jar lower-sodium marinara sauce; 0.5 cup low-fat ricotta cheese; 3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced; 1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Freshly ground pepper for garnish

Caprese Casserole

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This healthy casserole comes together easily, making it the perfect choice for any weeknight dinner. Be sure not to overcook the pasta or it will turn mushy. And don't skip the balsamic vinegar at the end—it's a bright finishing touch.

Sara Haas, RDN

Published on December 15, 2022

Reviewed by Dietitian

Breana Lai Killeen, M.P.H., RD

a recipe photo of the Caprese Casserole served in a dish with a wooden spoon dipped in it and tomatoes, basil, and a towel beside it — Photo: Sara Haas

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 10 mins

Servings:

Nutrition Profile:

Diabetes Appropriate Egg Free Low-Calorie Nut-Free Soy-Free Vegetarian

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

16 ounces whole-wheat penne
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup diced white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24 ounce) jar lower-sodium marinara sauce
½ cup low-fat ricotta cheese
3 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Freshly ground pepper for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta; cook according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
Heat oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Stir in marinara; cook, stirring occasionally, until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Add the pasta and stir to combine.
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with spoonfuls of ricotta and half of the tomato slices. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining tomato slices and mozzarella. Bake until bubbling on the edges, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with basil and drizzle with vinegar. Garnish with pepper, if desired. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

345	Calories
14g	Fat
42g	Carbs
15g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Serving Size generous 1 cup
Calories 345
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 42g	15%
Dietary Fiber 6g	21%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 15g	30%
Total Fat 14g	18%
Saturated Fat 5g	25%
Cholesterol 25mg	8%
Vitamin A 1663IU	33%
Vitamin C 16mg	18%
Vitamin E 1mg	4%
Folate 18mcg	5%
Vitamin K 28mcg	23%
Sodium 155mg	7%
Calcium 178mg	14%
Iron 2mg	11%
Magnesium 13mg	3%
Potassium 377mg	8%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.