This Easy Pesto Pasta Casserole is a tasty mix of pasta, creamy pesto, and cheesy goodness. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a cozy dinner!
I love that it’s a one-pan dish! Just mix, bake, and enjoy a warm meal without a lot of cleanup—sounds like a win to me! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend penne or rotini because they hold onto the sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you like, such as fusilli or farfalle. If you need a gluten-free option, go for gluten-free pasta to suit your needs.
Pesto: Store-bought pesto makes this recipe super easy, but homemade is always a great touch! If you’re dairy-free, consider using a vegan pesto made with nutritional yeast or sunflower seeds.
Cheese: I love the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan for a great cheesy topping. If you want a lower-fat option, use part-skim mozzarella. For a dairy-free alternative, try cashew cheese or a dairy-free mozzarella.
Vegetables: The cherry tomatoes add nice sweetness and moisture, but you can swap them for zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts. Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula if that’s what you have on hand.
Chicken: Adding cooked chicken makes the casserole heartier. You can leave it out for a vegetarian meal or use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor without extra cooking!
How Do I Make the Best Pasta Casserole?
Creating a tasty pasta casserole is all about combining flavors and ensuring even cooking. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Boiling the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente since it continues to cook in the oven. This will prevent sogginess later.
- Mixing Ingredients: Mix everything in a large bowl to distribute the pesto evenly. You want every bite to have great flavor!
- Layering the Cheese: Sprinkle the cheese on top for a nice golden crust. You can add a bit more cheese if you love that melty goodness.
- Letting It Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. It helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Following these steps will give you a delicious and satisfying casserole perfect for any night!
Easy Pesto Pasta Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Base:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or rotini work well)
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Pesto Pasta Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, for a total of around 40-45 minutes. You’ll have a warm, cheesy dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and get that delicious, cheesy crust on top!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Next, cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente (just slightly firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In that mixing bowl with the pasta, add in the basil pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and the diced cooked chicken if you’re using it. Sprinkle in a bit of salt and black pepper, then mix everything together until well combined.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Now, pour the pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets some love!
5. Add the Cheesy Toppings:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta mix. The more cheese, the better—right?
6. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. You might even see it getting a little golden brown on top—yum!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once your casserole is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps everything set a little. When you’re ready to serve, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and easy pesto pasta casserole! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
FAQ: Easy Pesto Pasta Casserole
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can have different cooking times.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or warm it up in the oven until heated through. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken. You might want to add in some extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Dish?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding spices like red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for some herby goodness. You can also sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil before mixing it in for a richer taste!
