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sundried tomato pesto pasta bake

Creamy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Bake with Veggies

Creamy vegetarian pasta bake with sundried tomato pesto, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne rigatoni or ziti
Vegetables
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
Sauce & Flavor
  • ¾ cup sundried tomato pesto
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup grated parmesan

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente (slightly firm). The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so avoid overcooking. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5–7 minutes until tender. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Add the spinach last and cook just until wilted.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
  1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the sundried tomato pesto and cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thick.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Combine Everything
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well so the pasta is fully coated with sauce and vegetables.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake Until Golden
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For a crispier cheese topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.