Cheesy Pesto Pasta Bake: A One-Pot Wonder

Ingredients:
– 2 cups of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 cup of pesto sauce
– 1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
3. Stir in the pesto sauce until the pasta is evenly coated.
4. Add half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese to the pasta and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the cheesy pesto pasta to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
6. Top the pasta with the remaining cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
10. Enjoy your delicious cheesy pesto pasta bake straight from the oven!

Cooking tips:
– Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or veggies like bell peppers and spinach to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
– You can use store-bought pesto sauce or make your own homemade pesto for a fresher taste.
– Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven.