• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Sweet Caramel Sunday

  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer recipes
  • Quick and Easy
  • Family Favourites
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact Me
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Air Fryer recipes
  • Quick and Easy
  • Family Favourites
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Pesto recipes

    Pesto Pasta Bake

    Published: May 28, 2023 by Adrianne

    • FB
    Jump to Recipe
    Spoon holding pesto pasta bake over bowl of the same with text written between 2 images.
    Spoon holding pesto pasta bake over bowl of the same with text written between 2 images.

    Pesto Pasta Bake is a bright summer recipe that is easy to make! Combining homemade pesto with pasta, tomatoes and bocconcini then topped with a double cheese layer, it is oven baked to perfection. This pesto pasta bake recipe is vegetarian, perfect for meatless Monday's or versatile to pair with meaty mains.

    Pesto paste bake in white baking dish with wooden spoon.
    Pesto Pasta Bake

    Recipes like the Spaghetti Al Pesto, Pesto Fettuccine and Tagliatelle Pesto are all about pesto and pasta!

    The Tuna Pesto Pasta and Beef Pesto Pasta are about protein, pesto and pasta.

    Jump to:
    • 🤍 Recipe Highlights
    • 🥗 Ingredients
    • 🍳 Instructions
    • 👩‍🍳 How to Make Pesto Pasta Bake
    • 🍽 Serving Suggestions
    • 👍 How to Guide
    • 😉 Substitutions and Variations
    • 💡 Tasty Tips
    • 🤓 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 😍 More Easy Dinner Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    🤍 Recipe Highlights

    I have summarised everything that you will come to know and love (LOVE ❤) about the recipe in the points below:

    • Versatile: this is a recipe that works as a main or a side dish. Choose to serve it on its own or paired with protein for a well balanced meal.
    • Family friendly: the whole family will love the cheesy nature of this dish. It has great flavour but none which are spicy or hot as to deter little ones from digging in!
    • Budget friendly: this is a reasonably cost effective recipe. There is no meat which significantly cuts the cost and you can purchase home brand pasta which is super cheap. The cheese will be the most expensive ingredients needed for the recipe and you are able to purchase smaller sized blocks to cut costs.
    • Creamy pesto pasta: yet there is no cream needed in the recipe. The juicy pesto sauce and cheese with melted cheese layers provide a creamy cheesy texture to the dish.

    🥗 Ingredients

    The photo below is to show you everything you need to make the recipe. Please refer to the printable recipe card for specific ingredient measurements as well as detailed instructions.

    Pesto pasta bake ingredients on marble background with text labels.
    Pesto Pasta Bake Ingredients

    As you can see the recipe calls for:

    • Penne pasta: a great tubular pasta that you can always get your hands on at the supermarket. This is a great choice for the recipe as it allows the pesto sauce to flow into the open pasta.
    • Basil: fresh, vibrant and aromatic this is a great herb to get used to in the kitchen. We trim the leaves from the stems and discard any that have brown or dark spots. Keep a few of the leaves aside also for garnish.
    • Pecorini romano (pesto): made from sheep's milk is excellent for the pesto.
    • Pistachio nuts: offer a robust nut to provide taste and texture to the pesto.
    • Garlic: fresh garlic cloves or minced garlic will both work for the recipe.
    • Olive oil: helps to bind the pesto ingredients together.
    • Lemon juice: adds freshness, citrus tang and a bright flavour to the pesto pasta.
    • Tomatoes: a colourful bunch of heirloom, grape or cherry tomatoes offer pops of colour. I slice the larger ones in halves and keep the smaller ones whole.
    • Mozzarella cheese: we grate this into a layer on top of the pasta which melts to perfection in the oven.
    • Pecorino romano: then we grate a layer of this over the top of the mozzarella for the flavour.
    • Cherry bocconcini: drained, not rinsed. These melt in the oven and help to keep the pasta bake moist and juicy.

    Tasty Tip: I like to offer a number of substitutions and variations to give you options when making the recipe. If in doubt of any of the above ingredients, or wanting alternatives, read this section before diving into the instructions on how to make the recipe below 👍😉.

    🍳 Instructions

    Here are the step by step instructions to make the recipe. We start by using the food processor to make the basil and pistachio pesto.

    Pesto pasta bake instructions 1 to 4 with text labels.
    Step by step instructions 1 to 4
    • Add basil leaves (Photo 1)
    • Then add pistachio nuts (Photo 2)
    • Add garlic cloves (Photo 3)
    • Then add pecorino romano cheese (Photo 4)

    👩‍🍳 How to Make Pesto Pasta Bake

    Add the basil leaves to the food processor then layer in the pistacho nuts, garlic and cheese. Blitz for 5 to 10 seconds to combine then use a spatula to scrape down the insides of the bowl, keeping the pesto low near the blade.

    Next pour in the olive oil and blitz again.

    Then remove and the lid and use a teaspoon to taste the pesto. Pour in half of the lemon juice, blitz to combine then pour in the rest as needed. Blitz to combine then use a spatula to transfer the pesto paste to a small bowl.

    Pesto pasta bake method 5 to 8 with text labels.
    Step by step instructions 5 to 8
    • Add the olive oil (Photo 5)
    • Then add the lemon juice (Photo 6)
    • Transfer pesto to small bowl (Photo 7)
    • Scoop out pasta water (Photo 8)

    Read and follow the instructions on the pasta packet to cook it in a medium saucepan of boiling salted water.

    Moments before it is al dente (still a little bit chewy) use a heatproof jug to scoop out 1 to 2 cups of water.

    Then use a colander to drain the pasta and discard the rest of the water.

    Steps for pesto pasta bake with text labels 9 to 12.
    Step by step 9 to 12
    • Add pasta and pesto (Photo 9)
    • Pour in pasta water (Photo 10)
    • Toss to combine (Photo 11)
    • Add cherry bocconcini (Photo 12)

    Next add the cooked pasta to a large sauté pan (or bowl big enough to combine). Add in the pesto and pasta water then use a wooden spoon to toss to combine.

    Next add the cherry bocconcini, followed by the sliced and whole small tomatoes.

    Pasta pesto bake method steps with text labels.
    Step by step instructions 13 to 16
    • Add sliced tomatoes (Photo 13)
    • Toss to combine (Photo 14)
    • Transfer into baking dish (Photo 15)
    • Grate layer of each cheese over the top (Photo 16)

    Once you have added the tomatoes, gently toss to combine the dish.

    Then transfer it into an oiled baking dish.

    Grate a layer of each cheese over the top, then pop it into the oven on the middle shelf.

    It will take around 10 minutes for the cheese to melt and some bits turn a lovely golden brown ( 😍🥰 yum!!).

    Pesto pasta bake with text label on top.
    Step by step instructions 17
    • Bake for 10 minutes until the cheese melts (Photo 17)

    Once you have removed the baking dish from the oven, you can allow it to rest for a couple of minutes and then get ready to garnish and serve!

    Wooden spoon in cooked dish of pesto pasta bake.
    Vegetarian Pesto Pasta Bake

    You won't need more cheese (said I rarely ever 😂) yet you can sprinkle some cracked black pepper over the top, add some basil leaves and a large serving spoon and the dish is done!

    🍽 Serving Suggestions

    This is a hearty vegetarian recipe that you might find enough on its own. Or you might like to serve it alongside the Italian Herb Chicken Thighs.

    For bread pairings the Turkish Garlic Bread, Garlic Ciabatta or Garlic Pizza Bread will go down a treat.

    Side salad ideas are the Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad, Herb Salad or Panzanella Salad.

    For more meaty options try the Oven Baked Pork Ribs, Oven Chicken Kabobs or BBQ Lamb Ribs.

    For an Italian themed dinner with pizza, pasta and more try the Ciabatta Pizza or Bruschetta Pizza.

    Pesto pasta bake in white bowl with fork and spoon with basil leaves on top.

    👍 How to Guide

    How to Store

    Store leftovers of the pesto pasta bake in sealed airtight containers in the fridge. They can be refrigerated for 3 days and can be consumed hot or cold.

    How to Freeze

    Allow the dish to fully cool. Then portion into air tight containers or zip lock bags, squeeze the air out then seal. Frozen portions of the dish can be kept in the freezer for 3 months.

    How to Reheat

    Allow frozen portions to fully thaw in the fridge overnight or on the bench during the day before reheating. Reheat in the microwave (fastest) covered for 3 to 4 minutes. Or you can add the leftovers back to a pan on the stove with additional reserved pasta water or a few drops of olive oil, turn to medium heat and stir till the pasta is heated through.

    😉 Substitutions and Variations

    Here are my sub ins and outs that you might be thinking about as you read the post and I will tell you if I think they will work or why they won't:

    • Yes, you can add salmon or tuna for a salmon pesto pasta bake or tuna pesto pasta bake.
    • Or chicken for a chicken pesto mozzarella pasta bake.
    • Use fusilli instead of penne for a fusilli pasta bake.
    • Macaroni, rigatoni or bow tie pasta are alternatives you can use or you favorite pasta. (This includes the option to use gluten free pasta).
    • You can use cashews, pine nuts or walnuts for the pesto to the equivalent amount.
    • Parmesan cheese can be use (equivalent amount) in place of the pecorino as well as the layer grated over the top of the mozzarella cheese.
    • You can purchase shredded mozzarella cheese or grate it yourself (my preference), but I get that there can be 2 schools of thought and less time so you do you on this point!

    💡 Tasty Tips

    Here are my top tips and tricks that I want to share with you so that you master the recipe from the get go:

    • To prepare the tomatoes, slice the larger ones in half, but keep some of the smaller ones whole. These literally burst with flavour and juices after they have been oven baked.
    • When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente (a little bit chewy) as it will soften in the oven also.
    • Give the baking dish a good spray with olive oil as this will reduce sticking and also help the clean up process at the the end.
    • If you want to use less cheese on top of the pasta bake, you can use some bread crumbs in place of some of the cheese. These will toast to a lovely golden brown when cooked.

    🤓 Frequently Asked Questions

    Why add pasta water to pesto?

    Adding the reserved pasta water to the pesto helps to create a sauce which binds the pasta, pesto and water.

    Do you add pesto before or after?

    You add the pesto to the pasta after the pasta is cooked with no heat from the stove needed. The heat from the cooked pasta as well as the starchy pasta water is enough to allow the pesto and pasta to combine together.

    Should pesto be smooth or chunky?

    Pesto should be a little bit chunky with visible texture from the nuts. It should not be a smooth paste. Achieve this by not over blending the pesto in the food processor, instead pulsing till it is simply consistently combined.

    😍 More Easy Dinner Recipes

    Look forward to dinner every night with some recipes up your sleeve that you know will deliver taste, texture and pure yum. With a variety of cook times and an array of effort needed these recipes give you options to turn to:

    • Penne Bolognese
    • Pesto Rigatoni
    • Sticky Pork Ribs
    • Greek Lamb Chops
    • Meatball Bolognese
    • Greek Lamb Shanks
    • Baked Meatball Subs
    • Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese
    • Pork Osso Bucco
    • Beef Osso Bucco

    It is time to get our pesto pasta bake on my friend. You can also find all of my pesto recipes or pasta recipes in the one spot.

    Adrianne

    PIN and save this recipe for later! 

    Hunger still got you? You can SUBSCRIBE to receive the latest recipes, follow me on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook.

    📖 Recipe

    Pesto paste bake in white bowl with fork, spoon and basil leaves.

    Pesto Pasta Bake

    Pesto Pasta Bake is is easy to make! Combining homemade pesto with pasta, tomatoes and bocconcini then topped with a cheese layer.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 651kcal
    Author: Adrianne
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 1 Food processor to make the pesto
    • 1 Spatula
    • 1 Teaspoon
    • 1 Small bowl
    • 1 Medium sauce pan to cook the pasta
    • 1 Heatproof jug to scoop out the pasta water
    • 1 Colander to drain the pasta
    • 1 Large baking dish to bake the pesto pasta
    • 1 olive oil spray
    • 1 Wooden spoon to toss and combine

    Ingredients

    Basil Pesto

    • 3 cups basil leaves only, stems trimmed
    • ½ cup pistachio nuts
    • ½ cup pecorino romano cheese
    • 2-3 cloves garlic
    • ⅓ cup/80 ml olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons/40 ml lemon juice

    Pasta Bake

    • 500 grams/16 oz penne pasta
    • ½ cup/125 ml reserved pasta water Note 1
    • 220 grams/7 oz mini bocconcini balls drained, not rinsed
    • 2 cups medley tomatoes slice the large ones, leave the small ones whole
    • ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese Note 2
    • ⅓ cup pecorino romano cheese also Note 2

    Garnish (optional):

    • fresh basil leaves
    • black pepper

    Instructions

    • Basil pesto: make the pesto by combining the basil leaves, pistachio nuts, garlic and pecorino romano in a food processor. Blitz for around 10 seconds to combine. Pour in the olive oil, blitz again then use a spatula to scrape down the insides of the bowl keeping the pesto down low. Use a teaspoon to taste the pesto, then add half of the lemon juice. Blitz then taste again then add the remaining lemon juice as desired.
    • Pasta: read and follow the instructions on the packet of pasta to cook it in a medium sauce pan of boiling salted water. Moments before it is al dente (a bit chewy still) use a heatproof jug to scoop out 1 to 2 cups of pasta water. Then use a colander to drain the remaining water and discard.
    • Combine: use a large sauté pan or bowl to combine the cooked pasta, pesto and ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Use a wooden spoon to toss and combine. Then add the sliced tomatoes and bocconcini balls to the pan. Stir again to combine.
    • Cheese: grate a layer of mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish then follow this by grating a layer of pecorino romano on top. Then place the dish into the preheated oven on the middle shelf for 10 minutes until the cheese melts to a lovely golden brown.
    • Garnish: once the cheese has melted, you can use oven mits to remove the baking dish from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Garnish with cracked black pepper and basil leaves. Provide forks and spoons for serving.

    Notes

    • Note 1 - Reserved pasta water: I refer to taking out 1 to 2 cups of starchy pasta water before draining the penne. However, we only add ½ cup of this (125 ml) to the pasta and pesto. Leftovers can be handy to store in a jar in the fridge in a sealed, air tight container and used to juice up reheated portions. 
    • Note 2 - Mozzarella and pecorino romano cheeses: if you are using blocks of these, don't worry about measuring to the exact amount I indicate, simply grate then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella over the top then repeat the same for the pecorino romano cheese. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 651kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 244mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1018IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 368mg | Iron: 2mg
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Italian, Western
    Keyword pesto pasta bake
    Did you make this recipe? Share on Instagram!It makes my day when you make my recipes! Tag @sweetcaramelsunday

    Try these next...

    • Fork being twirled in grey bowl of chicken pesto linguine.
      Chicken Pesto Linguine
    • Penne pesto in grey bowl with fork, spoon and basil leaves.
      Penne Pesto
    • Fork on a slight angel being twirled in bowl of pappardelle.
      Pesto Pappardelle
    • Fork being twirled in grey bowl of meatball pesto pasta.
      Easy Meatball Pesto Pasta

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Cathy Somerville says

      June 03, 2023 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe. Lots of flavour and easy to follow the instructions.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        June 05, 2023 at 7:57 pm

        Thanks Cathy for your feedback.

    2. Terri Kennedy says

      June 10, 2023 at 3:23 am

      5 stars
      Yum this is a delicious pasta recipe. Full of flavour.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        June 10, 2023 at 5:40 am

        Thank-you Terri! I appreciate the feedback.

    3. Eloise Torvall says

      June 13, 2023 at 3:55 pm

      5 stars
      Love how easy this pasta bake was to make. Thanks for a great recipe.

      Reply
      • Adrianne says

        June 13, 2023 at 10:37 pm

        You are very welcome Eloise, thank-you for your feedback.

    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome friends to
    Sweet Caramel Sunday, my
    name is Adrianne.

    Here you will find quick,
    easy and delicious recipes.

    More about me →

    Hotter than the stove right meow!!

    • Mushroom thighs with a cream sauce in grey bowl with brown rice and spinach.
      Easy Creamy Mushroom Chicken Thighs
    • Bite out of crumbed mushroom that has been dipped in sauce on white plate.
      Crumbed Mushrooms
    • Chicken thighs on white plate with sauce, limes and cilantro.
      Mexican Lime Chicken Thighs
    • Grilled chicken alfredo in grey bowl with fork and spoon.
      Grilled Chicken Alfredo
    • Chicken thighs with cream sauce in white bowl with spinach and rice.
      Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
    • Chicken with rice and vegetables in white bowl with pair of chopsticks on top.
      Honey Soy Chicken Stir Fry With Rice
    • Spoon holding meatball above white bowl of soup with zucchini and beans.
      Meatball Tomato Soup
    • Slow Cooker Lamb Ribs on white plate with chopped parsley and a drizzle of sauce
      Slow Cooker Lamb Ribs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • No AI

    Still hungry?

    • Subscribe to join my friend!

    Contact

    • Contact

    © 2023 Sweet Caramel Sunday. All Rights Reserved.