Spicy Baked Pasta in Jalapeno Pesto

This baked Pasta in Jalapeno Pesto recipe is creamy, spicy, and delicious all in one! Learn how to make this fast and easy casserole that everyone will love! Less than 30 minutes prep!

📝 Ingredients

• 5 Jalapenos (deseeded)
• 1/2 cup Basil Leaves (tightly packed)
• 1/4 cup Cashews (soaked in hot water for 10 minutes)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan (grated)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil (extra virgin)
• 250 grams Pasta (Farfalle/ Penne)
• 2 tablespoons Salt
• 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 4 cloves Garlic (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 cup Bell Peppers (cubed (red and yellow))
• 5-6 Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs (toasted)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Jalapeno Pesto: For the jalapeno pesto, place all the ingredients, except olive oil in the food processor. Slowly add olive oil as you blend and process till smooth
2. 2Cook Pasta: To cook the pasta, bring water to boil in a large pot with 2 tablespoons salt. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook till al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid and drain. Wash the pasta with cold water and set aside. This prevents the pasta from becoming sticky.
3. 3Saute Aromatics: In another pan, heat 2 tablespoon olive oil, add garlic and saute over medium heat till golden.
4. 4Add Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and cook for a minute. Add cherry tomatoes and cook stirring for another minute. Add the jalapeno pesto and the reserved pasta cooking liquid and bring to a simmer.
5. 5Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and milk and toss together over medium heat till nicely coated with the pesto sauce. Toss in half the breadcrumbs and mix.
6. 6Bake Pasta: Pour into a baking dish. Mix the remaining toasted bread crumbs and parmesan together and scatter evenly on top of the pasta. Broil (turn only the top element on) for 3-4 minutes in a preheated oven.