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If you're craving something comforting yet vibrant, this Pesto Pasta Casserole is your answer. Imagine the rich, herby goodness of pesto sauce mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that brings a burst of flavor to your table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this casserole will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let's dive in!
Pesto Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 8 oz any type pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and cherry tomatoes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What You Will Need
What you will need to make pesto pasta casserole
- Pasta: Provides the base, absorbing flavors from the pesto and cheese, creating a hearty, satisfying dish.
- Pesto sauce: Brings a rich, herbaceous flavor, tying all ingredients together with its creamy texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and slight acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and pesto.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, stretchy layer that enhances the casserole's comfort food appeal.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor, complementing the mozzarella and providing a crispy topping.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Pesto Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Needed to cook the pasta until al dente, ensuring it holds up well in the casserole.
- Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta, removing excess water before mixing with other ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Used to combine pasta, pesto sauce, and cherry tomatoes evenly before baking.
- Baking dish: Holds the pasta mixture and allows it to bake evenly, resulting in a bubbly, cheesy top.
- Oven: Bakes the casserole, melting the cheese and blending flavors together perfectly.
Pesto Pasta Casserole
A delicious and easy-to-make pesto pasta casserole that's perfect for a family dinner.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta any type
- 1 cup Pesto Sauce
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, pesto sauce, and cherry tomatoes.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
Feel free to add some cooked chicken or veggies for extra flavor.
Read more: Taco Pasta Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Cook pasta and mix with pesto and tomatoes.
- Assemble in baking dish.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in fridge up to 2 days.
- When ready, top with cheese and bake.
Freezing Instructions
- Follow make-ahead steps.
- Wrap dish in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Bake as directed, adding 10 extra minutes.
For a twist, try adding toasted pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes to the pesto pasta casserole for extra texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta works well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, just reheat before serving.
What can I substitute for cherry tomatoes?
Diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes work too.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Sure, cooked chicken or sausage would be great additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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