Marry Me Butternut Squash Casserole

Name: Marry Me Butternut Squash Casserole
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons no-salt-added tomato paste; 1½ cups heavy cream; 3 (6-inch) sprigs fresh thyme , plus leaves for garnish; 2 bay leaves; 3 large cloves garlic , grated (about 2 teaspoons ); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 medium butternut squash ( 2½ to 3 pounds ), peeled, quartered and sliced (¼-inch; 6 cups ); ⅓ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes , drained and finely chopped; 1 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese; 1 tablespoon small fresh basil leaves