Making fresh pesto is something that every home cook should be able to do. Blending aromatic basil with fresh garlic and parmesan cheese is a staple in Italian cooking, and goes perfectly in this vegetarian dish. This casserole is delicious, filling and fresh-tasting, and it can be prepared in about 30 minutes. That makes it an efficient option for a quick lunch to take to work or school.
To add some extra creaminess, use heavy cream for the dish. Although this isn’t a traditional ingredient in pesto, it gives the pesto a luscious mouthfeel, and brings the whole casserole together. Kids will love the color and taste of this dish, while adults will love how quickly it comes together. If penne pasta isn’t your favorite, choose another type of pasta such as fusilli or rotini.
Cooktop Cove
Pesto Pasta Casserole
6 to 8
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
For the pesto:
4 cups fresh basil
2 garlic cloves, whole
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cold tap water
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
For the pasta:
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Making fresh pesto is something that every home cook should be able to do. Blending aromatic basil with fresh garlic and parmesan cheese is a staple in Italian cooking, and goes perfectly in this vegetarian dish. This casserole is delicious, filling and fresh-tasting, and it can be prepared in about 30 minutes. That makes it an efficient option for a quick lunch to take to work or school.
To add some extra creaminess, use heavy cream for the dish. Although this isn’t a traditional ingredient in pesto, it gives the pesto a luscious mouthfeel, and brings the whole casserole together. Kids will love the color and taste of this dish, while adults will love how quickly it comes together. If penne pasta isn’t your favorite, choose another type of pasta such as fusilli or rotini.
Cooktop Cove
