Creamy Basil Pesto Ricotta Pasta Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links.
If you need a quick dinner that feels a little special without a lot of extra work, this Pesto Ricotta Pasta is a perfect choice. The ricotta cheese makes the sauce creamy and rich without needing heavy cream, while pesto adds fresh, herby flavor in just minutes.
This easy pasta recipe comes together fast with simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or even a meatless dinner option.
This recipe is super adaptable to any small pasta. I used penne, but you can use whatever you have on hand. It is so budget friendly that way.
Recipe Highlights
Ingredients
- Pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Ricotta cheese
- Basil pesto – store-bought or homemade basil pesto
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil (optional)
- Grape or Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
Equipment and Cooking Tools
- Large stock pot or soup pot
- strainer – this clip on one is my favorite.
- small bowl
How to Make Pesto Ricotta Pasta
Step by Step Instructions Overview. Full details in recipe card.
Save The Recipe!
Add your email below and we’ll send it straight to your inbox+ you’ll receive all our newest recipes
t Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
Mix sauce base in a bowl: ricotta, pesto, Parmesan, black pepper, and a splash of pasta water.
Drain pasta and return to pot or skillet.
Toss with sauce until creamy and well coated, adding more pasta water as needed.
Add optional mix-ins like cherry tomatoes or spinach.
Top and serve with extra Parmesan, black pepper, red pepper flakes, or lemon zest.
Step 1 – Cook Pasta and Prepare Sauce
Cook pasta in boiling wter per package directions. Meanwhile, In a bowl, add sauce ingredients.
Step 2 – Blend Sauce
Mix sauce base in a bowl: ricotta, pesto, Parmesan and a splash of pasta water. Set aside.
Step 3 – Add Vegetables
Drain pasta when. al dente but reserve some pasta water. Add tomatoes and spinach to drained pasta.
Step 4 – Add Ricotta Mixture
Add the sauce to the pasta and vegetables.
Step 5 – Add Pasta Water
Add pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
Step 6 – Blend Pasta and Sauc
Substitution and Variation Ideas
- Ricotta cheese – substitute with mascarpone for extra richness, or cottage cheese (blended) for a lighter option.
- Pesto – Instead of basil pesto you can use spinach pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Pasta – use any pasta or whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta. I have even made this with spaghetti and it comes out great!
- Add Protein – add shredded chicken, cooked shrimp or sausage, for a heartier meal.
Helpful Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature ricotta for a smoother sauce.
- Reserve extra pasta water so you can thin the sauce as needed.
- Use good-quality pesto since it’s one of the main flavor drivers. It is so easy to make your own so I hope you try it. This is my super easy pesto recipe.
- Add lemon zest for a brighter, fresher finish.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture.
Time Saving Tips ⏰
- Use store-bought pesto for a quick shortcut or make you own ahead of time.
- Buy pre-grated Parmesan if you’re short on time.
- Use spinach that wilts right into the pasta instead of cooking a separate veggie side.
- Add rotisserie chicken to make it a full meal without extra prep..
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Add a splash of milk, broth, or water when reheating to loosen the sauce. Add a little extra Parmesan to refresh it.
More Quick Pasta Recipes
Pesto Ricotta Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well
- ¾ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water more as needed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grape tomatoes quartered
- 1 cup baby spinach chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together ricotta, pesto, olive oil, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Add the hot pasta to a large bowl. Toss with the tomatoes and spinach. Then, add the sauce and toss to coat. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Reserve at least 1 cup of pasta water before draining for the smoothest sauce.
- Stir the ricotta and pesto together before adding to the pasta so the sauce blends evenly.
- Finish with extra Parmesan or toasted pine nuts for texture.
Nutrition
If you are not yet subscribing to my CELEBRATE THE SEASON newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share easy recipes for the season that the entire family is sure to love and also a few things that I don’t share here.
If you are not yet subscribing to my CELEBRATE THE SEASON newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share easy recipes for the season that the entire family is sure to love and also a few things that I don’t share here.