Imagine a dish where pasta meets a vibrant medley of colorful veggies, all wrapped in a creamy pesto sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen as you bake it to perfection, making your mouth water with anticipation. Crispy Pesto Potatoes Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta Primavera is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and delight. Creamy Potato Soup Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes Perfect for those busy weeknights or when friends come over, this dish is sure to impress without breaking a sweat.
Now, let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a one-dish wonder? As you dig into the fork-twirled goodness, you’ll find yourself reminiscing about family dinners or cozy nights in. The bright greens and yellows of the vegetables dance in the creamy sauce, inviting you to indulge. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday or a festive gathering, this dish promises happiness with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy baked pesto pasta primavera is incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for busy weeknights
- The balance of flavors will make your taste buds sing with joy
- Visually stunning, its vibrant colors brighten up any table setting
- It’s also versatile enough for vegetarian meal prep or as a side dish!
Sharing this recipe with my friends always brings laughter and compliments—it’s hard not to smile when everyone digs in!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Use your favorite type; I recommend penne or fusilli for great sauce cling.
- Pesto Sauce: Store-bought works wonders here; homemade adds an extra special touch if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious creaminess everyone loves; don’t skimp on quality!
- Mixed Vegetables: Fresh bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes add color and crunch; go seasonal for freshness. For more inspiration, check out this Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese enhances flavor; sprinkle generously for that cheesy goodness.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle helps roast the veggies beautifully while adding rich flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside while you prepare the pasta.
Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with pesto sauce and heavy cream. Stir well until everything is coated in that glorious green goodness.
Add your mixed vegetables to the bowl along with half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed; the vibrant colors should shine through.
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and drizzle olive oil over everything for added flavor during baking.
Bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Enjoy those delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen as it bakes!
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired for an extra pop of color and freshness.
And there you have it! Your Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta Primavera is ready to be devoured by family or friends who will surely be asking for seconds! Creamy Pumpkin Hummus.
You Must Know
- This creamy baked pesto pasta primavera is a delightful dish that combines vibrant veggies with luscious flavors
- The aromas of garlic and basil wafting from the oven will have your mouth watering long before it’s ready
- This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the pasta and sauce. Cook pasta al dente, then mix in vegetables and pesto before baking for a delightful finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal. Experimenting keeps things fresh and exciting.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your creamy baked pesto pasta primavera, try roasting veggies first for extra flavor
- Use fresh basil to enhance the aroma and taste significantly
- Don’t forget to sprinkle extra cheese on top for that golden crust!
Cooking this dish reminds me of my friend’s dinner party where everyone was raving about it. They even asked for seconds, which just warmed my heart!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers fantastic flavor.
What vegetables work best in creamy baked pesto pasta primavera?
For more inspiration, check out this Baked Ravioli recipe.
Zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes are perfect choices for this dish.
How can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Substitute dairy with cashew cream and use vegan pesto to keep it plant-based.
Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta Primavera
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Baked Pesto Pasta Primavera is a delightful one-dish meal that combines al dente pasta with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, creamy pesto sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, delivering comfort and joy in every bite. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with pesto sauce and heavy cream until well-coated.
- Add the mixed vegetables and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl; toss gently.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
