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Imagine a dish that marries the comforting essence of a baked pasta casserole with the delightful sweetness of a dessert. Introducing the Neapolitan Cake Pasta Bake—a culinary innovation that takes inspiration from both savory and sweet worlds, creating a truly unique dining experience. This intriguing recipe combines layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and a luscious vanilla layer, all topped off with a decadent chocolate element, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Easy Neapolitan Cake Pasta Bake

Discover the extraordinary Neapolitan Cake Pasta Bake, a delightful fusion of savory and sweet that transforms typical pasta into an innovative experience. This unique dish features layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and a luxurious vanilla layer, all topped with a velvety chocolate finish. Perfect for any gathering, this recipe is simple enough for novice cooks and impressive enough to wow your guests. Dive into this culinary adventure and elevate your dining experience!
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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 boil. Add 1 tsp salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Tomato Layer:

        - In a large bowl, mix the marinara sauce, diced fresh tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Set aside.

          Prepare the Vanilla Layer:

            - In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, vanilla extract, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.

              Prepare the Chocolate Layer:

                - In a separate bowl, stir the chocolate pudding and fold in the mini chocolate chips.

                  Assemble the Bake:

                    - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

                      - In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, start by spreading the tomato layer evenly at the bottom.

                        - Next, add a layer of the cooked pasta over the tomato sauce.

                          - Spread the vanilla cheese layer over the pasta evenly.

                            - Finally, top with the chocolate pudding layer, smoothing it out to cover the entire dish.

                              Bake:

                                - Place the assembled pasta bake in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top is set.

                                  Cool and Serve:

                                    - Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes.

                                      - Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream on the side for extra delight.

                                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr | 8 servings