Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake
Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake is another delicious and easy weeknight meal. This dish is so quick and simple to make, you’ll have it on the table in no time. Creamy and cheesy sauce with citrusy lemon and fragrant dill. The fresh herb and citrus flavours are balanced beautifully with the rich creamy sauce. Definitely a comfort food 😉
This Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake came about after looking for dinner inspiration in the fridge (ie. staring blankly for quite a while). Pasta is often my go to for moments like these. The kids love it and there is always some version of pasta that can be whipped up with ingredients from the fridge and pantry. And on this occasion, with a cut lemon in the fridge and leftover dill it seemed like the perfect combination. Check out my other Lemon recipes for some alternate, but equally delicious ways of using up that leftover lemon.
Pasta with Lemon & Dill?
The bright, tangy lemon complements the fresh, slightly sweet dill, while also balancing the flavours of the pasta bake beautifully. These ingredients add an incredible depth of flavour that you wouldn’t expect from a simple dish like this.
Lemon: Adds a refreshing twist to any dish. You’ll also find plenty of lemon throughout my recipes. It is one of my favourite ingredients to use – savoury or sweet, fresh or cooked.
Dill: This aromatic herb is slightly sweet and slightly aniseed in flavour. Like lemon, I find it livens up any dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pasta Bake Casserole dish: You can use any shaped casserole dish. Or if you want to make this meal a One Pan | One Pot wonder, use a casserole dish that works both on the stovetop and in the oven.
- Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Set aside. Short pasta is best and any shape.
- Garlic: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Base sauce: Remove from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Return to the heat and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Flavour: Stir in the cream, 1 cup cheese, dill, lemon, stock cube, salt and pepper. Once the cheese has melted return the pasta to the pan and stir to coat all pasta.
- Bake: Pour into the prepared dish and sprinkle with the extra cheese. Cook for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake is versatile and pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For an added burst of flavour, sprinkle extra fresh dill on top of the bake before serving.
Not only is this Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake full of flavour, but it’s also an easy dish to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to elevate your macaroni cheese with minimal effort.
Feedback: Did you try the Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake? Let me know in the comments below. Cheers, Elby!
Want a taste of something more? Check out my other delicious Pasta recipes. Also, follow The Tasteful Pantry on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for all the latest recipes and info.
Lemon and Dill Pasta Bake
A creamy and cheesy pasta back with a fresh zing of lemon and herby dill flavour, topped with golden cheese.
6
servings15
minutes30
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minutesStop your screen from going to sleep
Ingredients
300 grams short pasta
50 grams unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, finely diced
50 grams plain flour
2 cups full cream milk
½ cup cream
1 cup cheese, grated
1 tbsp dill, chopped
2-3 tsp grated lemon rind
1 stock cube (or equivalent amount of stock cube to make 1 cup stock – do not add water)
salt & pepper to taste
½ cup cheese grated, extra
Directions
- Preheat oven to 200C | 180C fan forced and lightly grease a 6 cup capicty casserole dish.
- In a large pot, cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat and gradually whisk in the milk. Return to the heat and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cream, 1 cup cheese, dill, lemon, stock cube, salt and pepper. Once the cheese has melted return the pasta to the pan and stir to coat all pasta.
- Pour into the prepared dish and sprinkle with the extra cheese. Cook for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden.
Check out some of my other Lemon recipes or easy Pasta dishes.