Description
8 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or fusilli)
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup pesto sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
1 lemon, zest and juice
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
In a large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
In the same pot, add olive oil and heat over medium. Add the pesto sauce, ricotta cheese, and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Stir until creamy and well
combined.
Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss to coat in the creamy pesto mixture.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves.
Serve warm and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 450 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Creamy Pesto Pasta every time.
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente texture. Before draining, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: While the pasta cooks, place pine nuts in a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until golden and fragrant. Set aside immediately to prevent burning.
- Create the Sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta (no need to wash it), heat the olive oil over medium. Add the pesto and ricotta cheese, stirring to combine. Gradually add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture into a creamy, cohesive sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Return the drained pasta to the pot with the sauce. Toss vigorously to coat every strand. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with the toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves for a final touch of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile pasta dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light meal, serve it alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. To make it more substantial, add grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or roasted cherry tomatoes. For a restaurant-style presentation, finish each plate with an extra drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
How-to Summary
Cook pasta al dente, reserving starchy water. Toast pine nuts. In the same pot, mix pesto and ricotta with pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Toss pasta in sauce, then finish with Parmesan, lemon zest, juice, salt, and pepper. Garnish with toasted pine nuts and fresh basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different nut instead of pine nuts? Absolutely. Toasted walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds make excellent, more affordable substitutes for pine nuts.
How can I make this dish dairy-free? Replace the ricotta with a dollop of unsweetened cashew cream or vegan cream cheese. Use a vegan Parmesan alternative and ensure your pesto is dairy-free.
Why is reserved pasta water important? The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, allowing it to cling smoothly to the pasta and achieve the perfect creamy consistency without being greasy.
Can I prepare this pasta ahead of time? It’s best served fresh. If made ahead, the pasta will absorb the sauce. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
What if my sauce seems too thick? Simply thin it out by adding more of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Soggy pasta ruins the texture. Always cook to al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when tossed in the warm sauce.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: Using plain water won’t provide the same starchy binding power, resulting in a separated or oily sauce.
- Burning the Pine Nuts: They toast quickly. Use medium-low heat and watch them constantly, as they can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
- Adding Cold Cheese to High Heat: Adding the Parmesan after removing the pot from heat prevents it from clumping and becoming stringy.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pesto Pasta recipe is a testament to how a few quality ingredients can create a spectacular meal in under 30 minutes. The combination of rich ricotta, vibrant pesto, and bright lemon offers a sophisticated flavor profile that feels both comforting and elegant. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can master this versatile dish. It’s a perfect canvas for customization and is sure to become a reliable favorite for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
