Baked Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- ¾ cup pesto
- 1 ½ cups shredded italian cheeses
like mozzarella, provolone
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
sliced
- 3 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
- crushed red pepper flakes
for serving
- fresh basil
for topping
Directions
- 1
Note: if you haven’t made the pesto yet, make that first! You can also use store-bought pesto. Any variety works.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 9x3 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- 3
Cook the penne until it’s al dente according to the directions.
- 4
Place the penne in the baking dish. Add the pesto and toss well until all the noodles and pesto are combined. Stir in the 1 ½ cups shredded cheese. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella.
- 5
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Top with fresh basil. Serve immediately!
Baked Pesto Pasta
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About this Recipe
Looking for an effortlessly delicious side dish that's always a crowd-pleaser? This Baked Pesto Pasta is your answer, bringing herby, cheesy goodness to any meal with minimal fuss.
What makes this Baked Pesto Pasta truly shine is its inherent simplicity. By combining just a few key ingredients—tender penne, vibrant pesto, and a medley of rich cheeses—you create an incredibly flavorful dish that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s a foolproof way to deliver comfort and satisfaction to your table.
Prepare for a comforting experience with every forkful. You'll find perfectly cooked penne coated in aromatic pesto, generously blanketed by a rich, bubbly layer of melted Italian cheeses and fresh mozzarella. The final touch of finely grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth, while optional crushed red pepper flakes offer a subtle warmth if you choose. This dish is an absolute delight, where textures and flavors harmonize into a truly satisfying, herby, and cheesy side.
While fantastic as is, this cheesy pesto pasta is also quite adaptable. You can easily adjust the blend of shredded Italian cheeses to your preference, opting for more provolone for a milder flavor or a sharper aged mozzarella for extra zing. While penne is suggested, other sturdy, short pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni would also work beautifully in this baked application, holding up well under the cheese.
This versatile baked pasta is the ultimate accompaniment to a wide variety of main dishes, from roasted chicken to grilled fish or a simple green salad. Garnish generously with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil for an inviting presentation and an extra burst of fresh flavor.