Easy Neapolitan Cake Pasta Bake

The Neapolitan Cake Pasta Bake is a culinary masterpiece that defies traditional boundaries, bringing together an unexpected yet delightful medley of flavors. This innovative dish combines the savory richness of tomato, the creamy sweetness of vanilla, and the indulgent depth of chocolate, creating a unique experience that tantalizes the taste buds. With roots in both Italian and American dessert traditions, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food while pushing the envelope of creativity in the kitchen.

Easy Neapolitan Cake Pasta Bake

Discover the unique Neapolitan Cake Pasta Bake, a delicious fusion of flavors that combines savory tomato with creamy vanilla and rich chocolate. This innovative dish showcases the art of layering, making it not just a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. Perfect for busy families or special occasions, it's easy to prepare and can be customized to suit various dietary needs. Dive into this culinary adventure that combines comfort food with creative flair.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni or penne

4 cups water

1 tsp salt

For the Tomato Layer:

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup diced fresh tomatoes

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the Vanilla Layer:

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp sugar

Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Layer:

1 cup chocolate pudding (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

Optional: whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Stir in 1 tsp of salt and then add the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Tomato Layer:

- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, diced fresh tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly. Set this mixture aside as it forms the first layer of flavors.

Prepare the Vanilla Layer:

- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, heavy cream, vanilla extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly using a hand mixer or spoon until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This layer adds a creamy, sweet touch to the dish.

Prepare the Chocolate Layer:

- In another bowl, take the chocolate pudding and gently fold in the mini chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the pudding. This will be the decadent dessert layer of your bake.

Assemble the Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Begin by spreading the prepared tomato layer evenly across the bottom of the dish.

- Layer the cooked pasta over the tomato sauce, ensuring it covers the sauce completely.

- Pour the creamy vanilla cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly for a smooth layer.

- Finally, add the chocolate pudding layer, using a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring it evenly covers the entire dish.

Bake:

- Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top layer is set, creating a delightful contrast between the layers.

Cool and Serve:

- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will help the layers set slightly for easier serving.

- Garnish with fresh basil leaves scattered over the top for a pop of color and aroma. This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and can be complemented with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an indulgent touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

- Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 8