Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake! Imagine a dish that combines the rich, herbaceous flavors of classic pesto with a luxurious creamy texture, topped with golden, melted cheese that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. This Italian-inspired masterpiece is not just a meal—it's a comfort food journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of pasta (penne or rigatoni) and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy pesto sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pesto sauce and 1 cup of heavy cream. Whisk together until well blended and creamy.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Pour the creamy pesto mixture over the pasta and stir to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and the halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle the top of the pasta with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for a delicious, cheesy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the creamy pesto pasta bake warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- • For the most flavorful result, use fresh, high-quality pesto sauce—homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully. • Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and you want to avoid mushy texture. • Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for a more complex cheese flavor profile. • Don't skip letting the dish rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. • For added depth, consider adding some crispy pancetta or cooked chicken before baking. • Fresh basil as a garnish can brighten the entire dish and add a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
