Cheesy Pesto Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Name: Cheesy Pesto Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces, weight Bowtie Pasta; 1 cup Basil Leaves; 1/4 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil; ⅓ cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Divided; 1 clove Garlic; 2 Tablespoons Pine Nuts; 5 Tablespoons Butter, Divided; 1/4 cups All-purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Salt; 2 cups Milk; 2- 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Divided; 4 Tablespoons Unseasoned Bread Crumbs

Servings: persons

12 ounces, weight Bowtie Pasta
1 cup Basil Leaves
1/4 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
⅓ cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Divided
1 clove Garlic
2 Tablespoons Pine Nuts
5 Tablespoons Butter, Divided
1/4 cups All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon Salt
2 cups Milk
2- 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, Divided
4 Tablespoons Unseasoned Bread Crumbs

1
Prepare pasta according to package directions.
2
Drain well.
3
In a food processor or blender, combine basil, olive oil, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, garlic and pine nuts.
4
Blend until creamy and set aside.
5
In a large pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter on low heat.
6
Stir in flour and salt and cook for 1 minute.
7
Gradually add in milk, stirring constantly until mixture is thickened.
8
Add in 2 cups mozzarella cheese and stir until melted.
9
Stir in pesto until combined well with cheese.
10
Stir in pasta.
11
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix with bread crumbs.
12
Spoon pasta into 12-ounce individual ramekins or into a casserole dish.
13
Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella, 2 tablespoons parmesan and top with bread crumbs.
14
Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

916

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 12 ounces, weight Bowtie Pasta, 1 cup Basil Leaves, 1/4 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil, ⅓ cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese, Divided, and more.

Yes, Cheesy Pesto Bowtie Pasta falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Cheesy Pesto Bowtie Pasta

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions