This oven baked Amish pesto cream macaroni is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels almost too easy to work. You simply layer uncooked elbow macaroni with jarred basil pesto, cream, and cheese right in the baking dish, then let the oven do the rest. It has that cozy baked pasta comfort you want after a long day, with a fresh basil twist that makes it feel a little more special than standard mac and cheese.
Serve this rich, creamy macaroni with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or simple garlic bread to round out dinner. If you want to keep things extra easy, a plate of sliced tomatoes or steamed green beans works well too, since the bright, fresh sides balance the creamy pesto sauce nicely.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Amish Pesto Cream Macaroni
Servings: 6
Ingredients
3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the uncooked elbow macaroni evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Spoon the basil pesto over the macaroni as evenly as possible, then pour the heavy cream over the top.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over everything, covering the top of the pasta.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, stir well so the pesto and cream coat the pasta, then return the dish to the oven uncovered.
6. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes more, until the pasta is tender and the top is hot, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Add Protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked ham after the first covered bake if you want to make this a heartier one-pan meal.
Cheese Swap: Mozzarella keeps it mild and stretchy, but you can use Monterey Jack, fontina, or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a sharper, more savory finish.
Make It Creamier: If you like a looser, saucier baked pasta, add an extra 1/2 cup of cream before baking. Oven-baked pasta continues to thicken as it rests.
Watch the Pasta: Since oven temperatures and pasta brands vary, check for doneness before serving. If the pasta still seems too firm, add a splash of cream, cover, and bake a little longer.
Add a Fresh Finish: A spoonful of extra pesto or a few torn basil leaves on top right before serving brightens the whole dish and makes it look especially nice on the table.
