PESTO MAKES THIS PASTA SING

PESTO AND SEMI-DRIED TOMATO PASTA BAKE

A deliciously creamy pesto and semi-dried tomato pasta bake, ready in just 35 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

250g dried elbow pasta

1/2 cup basil pesto

1/2 cup cooking cream

1/4 cup drained and chopped semi-dried tomatoes

225g jar marinated antipasto, drained 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/3 cup grated parmesan

1 tbsp pine nuts

Olive oil cooking spray Shredded fresh basil leaves, to serve

METHOD Step 1:

Cook pasta following packet directions. Drain well.

Step 2:

Combine pesto and cream in a large bowl.

Add pasta, tomatoes and antipasto. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Preheat grill on medium-high heat.

Step 4:

Spoon the pasta mixture into a 6-cupcapacity flameproof baking dish. Combine breadcrumbs, parmesan and pine nuts in a bowl. Sprinkle over pasta. Spray with oil. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden. Serve sprinkled with basil.

COOK’S NOTE:

This satisfying side dish goes well with grilled pork sausages, pan-fried fish fillets or roast chicken.