This creamy pesto pasta bake is a simple meal to make when you want something delicious that will please the whole family!
I love pesto pasta, and often make my One Pot Cheesy Pesto and Spinach Pasta, but this recipe is perfect when you have a little more time and want a meal that everyone’s going to love.
The creamy bechamel sauce mixed with the pesto, basil and peas makes a seriously yummy pairing for the pasta – and the mozzarella topping is just the cherry on top!
Love this pasta recipe? Why not take a look at these 22+ of the Best Creamy Pasta Recipes. For a quicker pesto pasta dinner, try my 10 minute pesto pasta with feta and olives.
Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake – The Ingredients
- Penne pasta – macaroni would also be great here!
- Butter, plain flour, milk – these simple ingredients make your white sauce. You can use salted or unsalted butter. Semi-skimmed or whole milk is best.
- Pesto – simple green pesto is perfect. You can make your own, if you like.
- Basil – optional, but it brings a fresh flavour to the dish.
- Peas – use frozen peas.
- Mozzarella – you can either use a ball of mozzarella or grated mozzarella- whichever is easier for you to get hold of. I used grated.
Top Tips
- Get ahead You can make the pesto pasta bake in advance. Make up to the point where you would put it in the oven, then refrigerate for up to a week. Cook until golden brown when you’re ready to eat. If you do this, cook the pasta for one minute less so that it doesn’t go soggy.
- Making the white sauce My fail safe way is to melt the butter, whisk in the flour then gradually add the milk, whisking all the time. Bring to a gentle simmer, by which time it should have thickened.
- Additions You could add some cooked chicken, spinach or courgette slices.
More easy pasta dinner recipes
If you enjoy easy pasta dinners like this one, you might also like to browse my collection of easy pasta recipes, where you’ll find plenty of simple meals perfect for busy weeknights.
Here are a few reader favourites to try next:
- Garlic Chilli Prawn Tagliatelle – a quick and flavourful pasta dish ready in just 15 minutes.
- Chorizo and Halloumi Pasta – bold flavours and golden fried halloumi make this a real weeknight winner.
- Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Pasta Bake – a cosy baked pasta packed with classic Italian flavours.
- Ham and Leek Pasta – a creamy, comforting pasta that’s perfect for using up leftover ham.
Or explore all of my easy pasta dinner recipes here.
Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 30 grams butter
- 30 grams plain flour
- 600 ml milk
- 150 grams green pesto
- 10 grams basil leaves
- 200 grams frozen peas
- 150 grams mozzarella
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook for 90 seconds less than packet instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Turn off the heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Turn the heat back on, and gently whisk until it has thickened.
- Stir in the pesto. Tear the basil leaves with your hands and add those too. Stir in the peas. Turn off the heat.
- Drain the pasta and tip into a large ovenproof dish. Pour the sauce over the top and mix until all of the pasta is coated in sauce. Dot the mozzarella over the top.
- Bake in the oven for around 30 minutes until golden and bubbling.
