The Perfect Easy Baked Pesto Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

My latest culinary adventure with this easy baked pesto pasta has transformed weeknight dinners into something magical.

Creamy textures and vibrant herbal notes dance across each forkful of comfort.

Basil-rich sauce creates a delightful coating that clings perfectly to every pasta curve.

Sharp parmesan cheese adds a salty complexity that makes each bite irresistible.

Quick preparation means you can have a delicious meal ready in under thirty minutes.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a dish that feels both elegant and approachable.

Dive into this recipe and watch your dinner table light up with smiles.

What Makes Baked Pesto Pasta a Weeknight Hero

• Loaded with cheesy goodness and zesty pesto, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family meal that everyone will love.
• Adaptable to personal preferences, you can effortlessly add protein like chicken or shrimp, or toss in extra vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor.
• Minimal dishes and simple baking technique mean less cleanup, giving you more time to relax and enjoy a delicious homemade meal without kitchen stress.

Everything That Goes Into Baked Pesto Pasta

• Pasta: Penne pasta provides the hearty base for this delicious baked dish.
• Pesto: A flavorful sauce made from basil that adds rich, herbal notes to the pasta.
• Mozzarella: A creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a gooey texture.

• Parmesan: A sharp, aged cheese that adds a salty and nutty finish to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the pasta bake.

How to Make Baked Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Boiling Water

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Slide penne pasta into the boiling water.

Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta reaches a tender al dente texture.

This typically takes about 10-12 minutes.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick rinse with cool water.

Step 3: Create Delicious Pasta Mixture

• Homemade or store-bought pesto
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or cooked chicken

Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer and Top

Grease a baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.

Pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Generously sprinkle additional mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly, creating an irresistible crispy top.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the pasta from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy your mouthwatering baked pesto pasta!

Tips for Perfectly Baked Pesto Pasta

• Select high-quality, homemade or store-bought pesto with vibrant basil flavor for the best taste.
• Slightly undercook pasta during boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, ensuring perfect texture.
• Replace mozzarella with ricotta or swap Parmesan for pecorino to customize flavor profile.
• Mix in cooked chicken, shredded rotisserie meat, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and depth.
• Stir in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to increase nutritional value and freshness.

Store and Reheat Baked Pesto Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Pack in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Spread pasta in baking dish, splash with water or extra pesto. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Pairing Suggestions for Baked Pesto Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Italian Pinot Grigio that complements the herbal pesto and cuts through the creamy cheese, enhancing the pasta's bright flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Caprese Salad: Create a side dish featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil, mirroring the pesto's ingredients and adding refreshing texture.
• Elevate with Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic and brushed with olive oil, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta and soaking up extra pesto sauce.
• Add Grilled Chicken Breast: Top the pasta with seasoned, sliced grilled chicken to introduce lean protein and create a more substantial meal that balances the rich cheese and pesto flavors.

Ways to Mix Up Baked Pesto Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Choose plant-based pesto or make your own with basil, nuts, and olive oil.
• Protein Power Option: Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to boost nutritional value. Mix protein directly into the pasta before baking.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce baking time to prevent overcooking the vegetable base. Keep pesto and cheese for rich flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is similar in size and texture.

• Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?

Homemade pesto offers fresher flavor, but quality store-bought pesto works well if you’re short on time. Choose a brand with vibrant green color and fresh ingredients.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, cooked shrimp, or crispy bacon bits before baking. These protein additions will enhance the meal’s nutritional value and taste.

• What cheese alternatives work if I'm lactose intolerant?

Use dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan substitutes made from nuts or soy. These alternatives provide similar melting and flavor characteristics while keeping the dish lactose-free.

Easy Baked Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Pesto Pasta brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Cheesy, herbal notes blend perfectly, promising a quick weeknight dinner that will delight you with its simple, irresistible charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) basil pesto

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) spinach, chopped (optional)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted boiling water bath and immerse penne pasta, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite, approximately 10-12 minutes. Carefully drain and gently rinse the pasta to halt cooking process.
2. Create a harmonious blend by folding the cooked pasta with vibrant pesto, introducing a layer of creamy mozzarella and incorporating any desired complementary ingredients. Delicately season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Elegantly transfer the aromatic pasta medley into a well-greased baking vessel, ensuring even distribution. Crown the dish with a lavish sprinkle of remaining mozzarella and a delicate dusting of aged Parmesan cheese.
4. Position the prepared dish into a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C), allowing the cheese to melt and transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece over 25-30 minutes of baking.
5. Extract from the oven and permit the dish to rest for a brief 5-minute interval, enabling flavors to harmonize and settle before presenting this delectable culinary creation to eager diners.

Notes

• Swap pasta shapes to keep things interesting, like fusilli or rigatoni which hold sauce beautifully.
• For gluten-free options, use brown rice or chickpea pasta without compromising taste or texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy chickpeas for vegetarian protein boost.
• Customize cheese blend by mixing mozzarella with provolone or adding crumbled feta for extra tangy flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 42 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg