Ricotta Pesto Pasta Bake

Prepare to indulge in the rich flavors of ricotta pesto pasta bake, a comforting dish that melds creamy ricotta, zesty pesto, and hearty canned tuna.

Topped with a golden crust of melted cheese and enriched with wholesome green peas and tender broccoli, each mouthful promises a symphony of flavors and textures.

Perfectly suited for both leisurely family dinners and practical meal prep, this recipe combines ease of preparation with robust, satisfying taste.

Imagine savoring a generous scoop of ricotta pesto pasta bake—a dish where velvety ricotta cheese meets the aromatic allure of pesto, whether from a jar or homemade with fresh basil and garlic.

This delightful fusion not only coats every pasta strand with a creamy, herb-infused embrace but also pairs beautifully with the savory presence of canned tuna.

The addition of vibrant green peas and blanched broccoli florets not only enhances the dish's visual appeal but also adds a nutritious boost, making it a wholesome choice for any dining occasion.

The appeal of ricotta pesto pasta bake lies not only in its rich flavors but also in its adaptability.

Customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences—whether you prefer a bold pesto punch or a milder note—and vary the vegetable additions to include spinach or colorful bell peppers.

This versatility makes it a go-to option for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal prep staple, where its flavors only deepen and improve over time.

This dish shines as the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner, served alongside a crisp green salad and warm, crusty bread.

Its robust flavors also make it an excellent choice for entertaining guests or bringing to potluck gatherings, where it’s sure to impress!

Meal Prep Friendly

Prepare a batch of ricotta pesto pasta bake over the weekend and portion it into meal prep containers for convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal on busy weekdays.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The blend of ricotta and pesto creates a creamy, herb-infused sauce that coats every strand of pasta and complements the savory notes of canned tuna.
• Green peas and broccoli add vibrant color and essential nutrients, enhancing both the taste and health benefits of the dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can tailor the recipe to your preferences, adjusting the amount of pesto or incorporating other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether served fresh out of the oven for a cozy family dinner or packed into meal prep containers for lunches throughout the week, this bake is a versatile option.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Ideal for busy schedules, prepare this pasta bake ahead of time and simply reheat portions as needed. The flavors meld together beautifully over time, making it even more delicious with each serving.

Cost To Make

Estimated cost = $8.40, or $1.40 a serve

Ingredients

Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

• Dried Pasta: Such as rigatoni, spirals, bowtie.
• Butter
• Brown Onion: Finely chopped.
• Minced Garlic
• Canned Tuan: Drained.
• Salt and Pepper
• Frozen Green Peas: Defrosted.
• Broccoli Florets
• Pesto of Choice: You could use store bought pesto or homemade pesto.
• Fresh Ricotta Cheese: Break up any chunks of ricotta cheese.
• Stock of Choice: Such as vegetable stock or chicken stock. If you don't have stock you could just use water.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Or thickened cream, or milk.
• Green Onions (Spring Onions): Finely chopped.
• Cheese: Such as cheddar, mozzarella, grated.

Equipment

30 cm x 22 cm (11.80 inches x 8.66 inches) baking dish that can hold about 2 litres of liquid.

Instructions

Step One: Preheat oven to 180°C (356°F).

Step Two: Prepare and cook your pasta according to packet instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.

Step Three: Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium sized saucepan. When the butter is hot, add the brown onion and cook until the onions are lightly browned and soft. Then saute the minced garlic for about 1 minute.

Step Four: Add the drained canned tuna, breaking up any chunks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step Five: Add the peas, and broccoli florets. Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes or until the broccoli starts to soften.

Step Six: Mix through the pesto, ricotta, stock, cream, green onions, and roughly chopped boiled eggs. Turn off heat.

Step Seven: Mix through the cooked and drained pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step Eight: Transfer mixture into a casserole dish, making sure the top sits flat.

Step Nine: Sprinkle grated cheese on top. Then place in preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes of until the top is golden brown.

Once baked, removed from the oven and allow to cool. Serve.

Substitutions / Variations

Here are some variations for thispasta bake with ricotta and pesto:

• Saute a mix of mushrooms (like cremini, shiitake, and oyster) and add them to the pasta bake for an earthy flavor.
• Add in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense burst of sweetness and flavor.
• Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy twist.
• Stir in some grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese into the ricotta and pesto mixture for an extra cheesy delight.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the ricotta mixture for an aromatic touch.
• serving suggestions.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ways you might like to serve this recipe for ricotta pesto pasta bake:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
• Enjoy alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers.
• Accompany with a glass of white wine,.
• Serve as a comforting main course for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Storage

Store any leftover ricotta pesto pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain its creamy texture.

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