Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Bake
Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Bake is a cheesy, comforting baked pasta dish featuring tender pasta tossed with basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, melty cheese topping. This easy family-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Aluminum foil
- Cheese grater, if using fresh cheese
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- 12 ounces penne rigatoni, ziti, or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sundried tomato pesto
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach chopped, optional
For Topping
- 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley optional
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the onion and garlic
- Heat olive oil in the same pot or a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Mix the sauce
- In a large bowl or the same pot, stir together the sundried tomato pesto, marinara sauce, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Step 5: Combine the pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir in the chopped spinach if using. Add 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan, then mix until everything is coated.
Step 6: Transfer to the baking dish
- Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Add cheese and topping
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Add chopped sundried tomatoes.
Step 8: Bake
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling.
Step 9: Rest and serve
- Let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley if desired.