Ricotta Pesto Pasta

Looking for a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for any time of the week?

Try our ricotta pesto pasta!

This versatile dish combines creamy ricotta, and savory pesto for a burst of flavor that’s sure to satisfy.

Whether you're meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick dinner, this pasta is a surefire hit!

If you’re craving a flavorful, quick, and easy meal, look no further than ricotta pesto pasta.

This delightful dish combines the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese with the vibrant taste of pesto.

It's a versatile recipe that you can tailor to your preferences, making it a fantastic addition to your recipe collection!

One of the best things about ricotta pesto pasta is its simplicity.

You can use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own at home if you prefer a fresher, personalized touch.

Either way, the result is a deliciously creamy and herbaceous sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

The ricotta adds a smooth, slightly tangy flavor that balances the punchy notes of the pesto, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures.

Ricotta pesto pasta is perfect for various occasions. It's a great choice for a weeknight dinner when you need something quick and satisfying after a long day.

The recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Simply cook your pasta, mix in the ricotta and pesto, add your choice of fish, and you’re ready to serve a delightful meal.

This dish is also excellent for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator, and the flavors meld together even more over time, making it even tastier the next day.

You can prepare a big batch on the weekend and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

It’s a convenient and delicious way to ensure you have a nutritious meal ready to go whenever you need it.

For a special occasion, ricotta pesto pasta can easily be dressed up.

Garnish it with some fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a handful of toasted pine nuts to add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication.

Serve it with a side salad and a glass of white wine, and you have an elegant meal that's sure to impress guests.

This ricotta pesto pasta recipe is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any time of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to please. Its adaptability and delicious taste make it a standout option for quick dinners, meal prepping, and even special occasions.

Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful blend of creamy ricotta, and savory pesto – a combination that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize it how you like! Use either store-bought or homemade pesto, and add any extras you’d like.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: The combination of ricotta, pesto, and protein-packed fish makes for a well-balanced and hearty meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: It stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for planning ahead.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy, savory flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends, whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion.

Cost To Make

Estimated cost = $3.65 or $0.90 a serve

Ingredients

Please note that below is a guide for some of the ingredients we used in the recipe. The printable recipe further down the page has the complete list of ingredients, including quantities and step-by-step instructions.

• Dried Pasta: Such as penne, spirals, bowtie, linguine, fettuccine.
• Neutral Flavored Oil: Such as vegetable oil.
• Brown Onion: Finely chopped.
• Garlic: Minced.
• Stock of Choice: Such as vegetable stock or chicken stock. If you don't have stock you could use water.
• Pesto of Choice: Store bought or homemade.
• Fresh Ricotta Cheese
• Salt and Pepper
• Green Onions (Spring Onions): Finely chopped.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated, to serve.
• Pine Nuts or Cashews: Roughly chopped, lightly toasted, to serve.

Instructions

This recipe for ricotta pesto pasta serves 4. The ingredient quantities cane easily be adjusted to suit how many serves you need to make.

Step One: Cook your pasta according to packet instructions. When the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

Step Two: While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a saucepan and then cook the onion until lightly browned and softened.

Step Three: Next, add the minced garlic and cook for a further 1 to 2 minutes.

Step Four: Mix through the stock. Then bring the liquid to a gentle simmer and season with salt and pepper.

Step Five: Reduce the heat to low medium. Add the cooked and drained pasta, pesto, and ricotta cheese.

Break up the ricotta cheese if necessary. Then, taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.

If you want your pasta to have more sauce, add some of the reserved pasta water. Adjust seasoning if you do.

Step Six: Turn off heat. Serve, garnished with finely chopped green onions, grated Parmesan cheese and roughly chopped pine nuts (or cashews).

Tips for Success

• Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Adding a bit to the ricotta and pesto sauce makes it smooth and helps it coat the pasta perfectly.

Substitutions / Variations

Here are some variations for this ricotta pesto pasta recipe:

• Vegetarian: Skip the fish and add roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for a hearty, meat-free option.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in a bit of red pepper flakes or a dollop of spicy pesto to give the dish some heat.
• Stir in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Blend in some mashed avocado with the ricotta for an even creamier, rich sauce.
• Add a splash of lemon juice and some zest for a bright, fresh twist that complements the flavors of the fish and pesto.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ways you might like to serve this recipe for ricotta pesto pasta.

• Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for an extra indulgent touch.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complement the pasta with a side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
• White Wine: Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Soup Starter: Begin the meal with a light soup, such as tomato basil or minestrone, to round out the dinner.
• Fresh Fruit: Finish with a dessert of fresh fruit, such as a bowl of mixed berries or a fruit salad, for a refreshing end to the meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the creamy texture.

FAQ

More Mains Recipes

• Spicy Garlic Noodles
• Tomato Chicken Pasta Recipes
• Butter Lemon Sauce Pasta
• Spicy Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Pasta