Whenever I am stuck for something to eat or we are edging closer to our next grocery shop I normally cook some kind of pasta dish. Spaghetti agli olio being a fave. If I haven’t got much time or patience for cooking a fussy dish we often have a variation on a pasta bake. Today was a pesto pasta bake and it was so delicious I just had to share it.

You will need:

400g pasta
150g pesto
2 pots of half fat creme fraiche
100g mature cheddar
Large handful of pine nuts
Seasoning ( I use a sprinkle of salt and 1/2 tsp of crushed black pepper )

Cook your pasta ( any type will do although twists/penne work particularly well ) according to packet instructions. Drain, reserving a little cooking water ( about 50ml or so ) now stir through your pesto ( freshly made is best but a good quality jar is just fine. Now add your seasoning and water to loosen the pesto slightly. Add your creme fraiche and give it a good stir before pouring into a baking dish, top with half of your crushed pine nuts before sprinkling on your cheese and finish with the rest of the pine nuts. Bake in a hot oven for about 20 minutes until the top is slightly crispy and golden brown.

Serve with a leafy salad.

An easy meal which tastes absolutely delicious and packed full of flavour. You can pop in some shredded leftover chicken or veggies but it’s lovely as it is. Simple ingredients, fabulous taste.

Here are some other pasta bake ideas from fellow food bloggers:

Cheesy roasted butternut squash pasta bake
Kielbasa pasta bake
Gluten Free Mushroom Pasta Bake
Turkey, Ham and Mushroom pasta bake
Ham and Vegetable pasta bake
Veggie Sausage pasta bake
Chicken and Leek pasta bake

I’m joining in with Pasta Please hosted by BakingQueen74 and Tinned Tomatoes.