Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta

Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta

8 servings
I love this easy pesto ricotta pasta! You can have a delicious meal ready in under 15 minutes with simple, fresh, and easy-to-find ingredients.

Ingredients

  • fresh pesto

    plus more for drizzling

    ⅝ c
  • full fat ricotta
    1 c
  • pasta

    any kind

    1 lb
  • lemon zest)

    (from one lemon

    2 tsp
  • red pepper flakes

    optional, to season

  • reserved pasta water
    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and put the pasta back in the pot.

  2. 2

    Mix the pesto, ricotta, and lemon zest together in a food processor or whisk together by hand. Add the pesto ricotta lemon mixture into the pot along with the reserved pasta water and stir vigorously until fully combined and all the noodles are coated.

  3. 3

    Plate, and add any additional pesto, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of good olive oil. Enjoy!

Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta

Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta

15 min8 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a delicious, comforting meal that's ready almost before you can set the table? This Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta is your answer, delivering incredible flavor in under 15 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have.

What makes this pasta dish a true weeknight hero is its brilliant simplicity. By combining vibrant fresh pesto with creamy, full-fat ricotta, you create a luscious, flavorful sauce with minimal effort. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to achieve a deeply satisfying meal.

Prepare for a wonderfully creamy and bright pasta experience that feels indulgent yet light. The velvety ricotta melts into the warm pasta, creating a rich, smooth base that perfectly complements the herbaceous, aromatic notes of fresh pesto. A touch of zesty lemon brightens every forkful, cutting through the richness and leaving a refreshing finish. For those who enjoy a little kick, optional red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to your pantry. While any pasta shape works beautifully, consider a sturdy cut like rigatoni or penne to best capture the creamy sauce. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your personal preference for a gentle warmth or a more pronounced spice, or drizzle extra fresh pesto over individual servings for an even bolder flavor. Using full fat ricotta is key for the best creamy texture, so stick with that for optimal results.

Serving eight, this Easy Pesto Ricotta Pasta is a fantastic crowd pleaser, making it ideal for impromptu dinner parties or a hearty family meal. Enjoy it on its own or alongside a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying experience.

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