Pesto and Ricotta Pasta
Pesto and Ricotta Pasta is a fresh, creamy, and aromatic dish that’s incredibly simple yet indulgently satisfying. The herbal zing of pesto combines beautifully with the mild creaminess of ricotta, coating every bite of pasta in a velvety sauce that tastes like summer in a bowl.
Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this pasta is a wholesome and flavorful way to enjoy comfort food with an Italian twist. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes with just a few pantry staples!
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
300g (10–11 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or your choice)
Salt, for pasta water
For the Sauce:
½ cup ricotta cheese (full-fat for creaminess)
⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)
1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for gloss and richness)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional, for added flavor)
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for brightness)
Optional Add-ins:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach or arugula
½ cup cooked peas or steamed broccoli florets
¼ tsp chili flakes (for heat)
Fresh basil, to garnish
Crushed walnuts or pine nuts, to top
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, pesto, Parmesan, and lemon zest (if using).
Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen if needed.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Add the hot drained pasta directly into the bowl with the sauce.
Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Add a bit more pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, to reach a silky consistency.
Stir in optional add-ins like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas if desired. The residual heat will soften them slightly.
Step 4: Plate and Serve
Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of black pepper, and extra Parmesan.
Garnish with fresh basil or toasted nuts for added texture.
Tips for Success
Use good-quality pesto: Homemade or store-bought pesto made with real basil, olive oil, and nuts will make a big difference in flavor.
Reserve pasta water: It’s starchy and helps emulsify the sauce for a creamy, glossy texture.
Warm the ricotta gently: If the pasta cools too much, warm the ricotta sauce gently on low heat while stirring. Don’t boil it.
Make it heartier: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Variations
Vegan: Use vegan ricotta (almond or cashew-based), vegan pesto, and skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice, lentil, or chickpea pasta.
Zoodle version: Toss the sauce with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb alternative.
Baked Pesto Ricotta Pasta: After mixing, transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella or breadcrumbs, and broil until bubbly and golden.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If reheating, add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Q: Can I use other cheeses?
A: Yes. Mascarpone, cream cheese, or cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta. For stronger flavor, stir in goat cheese or feta.
Q: Is this good cold as a pasta salad?
A: Absolutely! Just chill it and add a touch of lemon juice or olive oil before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have pesto?
A: Blend fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, nuts (like almonds or walnuts), and cheese for a quick homemade version.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Estimated values (without optional add-ins):
Calories: 460
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 320mg
Calcium: 180mg
(May vary based on pasta type and cheese used.)
Conclusion
Pesto and Ricotta Pasta is a fast, elegant dish that delivers the perfect balance of creamy and herbaceous flavors. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend meals. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy pasta that’s rich in texture and Mediterranean charm.
Serve it warm for comfort or chilled as a refreshing pasta salad—either way, it’s bound to become a staple in your rotation!