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Homemade Pesto Pasta Bake recipe photo

Pesto Pasta Bake

This Pesto Pasta Bake is a cheesy, comforting dish that's easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked)
  • 1 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup peas
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, basil pesto, and peas. Stir gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the pesto.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over this layer.
  4. Top the cheese with the remaining pasta mixture, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for that delicious cheesy crust.
  5. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Try making your own basil pesto for a fresher flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • For extra crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes.
  • Letting the dish cool helps it hold its shape better.