Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Bake with Parmesan Cheese & Radish Salad

Baked pasta is a must on the menu, so here you have it! Fusilli pasta is perfect for soaking up all that pesto and creamy sauce, you wouldn’t want a single drop to be forgotten. A fresh radish salad on the side is sprinkled with almonds for a note of nutty crunch. Of course, it’s not a pasta without a load of cheese peppered on top. Unfortunately, this week's fusilli was in short supply, so we've replaced it with penne. Don't worry, the recipe will be just as delicious, just be sure to follow your recipe card!

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Servings: 4

Ingredients

2 servings 4 servings
  • olive oil
  • 1 packet penne
  • 0.5 packets cream
  • 1 sachet garlic & herb seasoning
  • 1 packet basil pesto
  • 1 bag baby spinach leaves
  • 2 radishes
  • 1 packet roasted almonds
  • 1 bag mixed salad leaves
  • 1 white wine vinegar
  • 1 packet shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet grated parmesan cheese
  • olive oil
  • 2 packets penne
  • 1 packet cream
  • 1 sachet garlic & herb seasoning
  • 1 packet basil pesto
  • 1 bag baby spinach leaves
  • 3 radishes
  • 2 packets roasted almonds
  • 1 bag mixed salad leaves
  • 1 white wine vinegar
  • 1 packet shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. • Preheat oven to 240°C/220°C fan-forced.
    • Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil.
    • Cook penne in the boiling water, over high heat, until ‘al dente’, 12 minutes.
    • Reserve some pasta water (1/4 cup for 2 people / 1/2 cup for 4 people). Drain fusilli and return to saucepan.
  2. • To the saucepan with cooked pasta, add cream (see ingredients), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic & herb seasoning, basil pesto, baby spinach leaves, reserved pasta water and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
    • Transfer pasta to a baking dish. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and golden, 10-12 minutes.
  3. • While the pasta is baking, thinly slice radish. Roughly chop roasted almonds.
    • In a medium bowl, combine mixed salad leaves, radish, almonds and a drizzle of white wine vinegar and olive oil. Season to taste.
  4. • Divide creamy basil pesto pasta bake between plates.
    • Serve with radish salad. Enjoy!