Baked Pesto Pasta

Baked Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, homemade pesto sauce, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying finish. This healthy American baked dish is perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

• Pasta (penne or fusilli) - 150 grams
• Fresh basil pesto - 100 grams
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved
• Mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh basil leaves - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the basil pesto, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the pasta is well-coated.
4. Transfer the pasta mixture into a lightly greased baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.
8. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious baked pesto pasta!

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from fresh basil and cherry tomatoes.
• Good source of protein and calcium from cheese.

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