Indulge in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta with Whipped Ricotta: Your New Favorite Easy Gourmet Meal

Do you crave rich, comforting pasta dishes that feel gourmet but are surprisingly simple to prepare? This exquisite sun-dried tomato pesto pasta perfectly marries the intense, savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with the luxurious creaminess of whipped ricotta. The result is an irresistibly smooth and flavorful sauce that transforms ordinary noodles into an extraordinary meal. Created in just minutes with the help of a food processor, this recipe is designed for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions. Choose your favorite pasta shape to ensure every forkful captures the decadent sauce. Beyond a magnificent pasta dish, this versatile creation also shines as a vibrant dip, ready to be served with fresh vegetables, crispy crackers, or toasted crostini.

Inspired by my popular homemade sun-dried tomato pesto – also widely known as red pesto or pesto rosso – I felt compelled to share this companion recipe. After preparing a batch of that intensely flavorful pesto and having a tub of creamy ricotta cheese on hand, the idea struck me: why not combine them? The outcome was absolutely spectacular! Friends who tasted it immediately clamored for the recipe. The savory depth of the sun-dried tomato pesto, combined with the light, airy texture of whipped ricotta, creates a natural and harmonious partnership, making for a truly terrific sauce or a delightful dip. This recipe brings together Mediterranean vibrancy with Italian comfort, offering a unique twist on classic pasta dishes. The sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with a concentrated, sweet-tart taste that pairs beautifully with the mild, milky notes of ricotta. Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, the whipped ricotta provides a light yet rich consistency that clings perfectly to pasta without being overly indulgent. It’s a culinary hack that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a must-have in your recipe repertoire.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

This sun-dried tomato pesto pasta with whipped ricotta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and versatility. Here’s why it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Quick: Prepare this gourmet-tasting sauce in a matter of minutes. The food processor does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious sauce with minimal hands-on time.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: The sun-dried tomato pesto can be made well in advance and stored, significantly cutting down preparation time on a hectic evening. Simply cook your pasta and whip up the sauce when you’re ready to eat.
• Whip and Serve Anytime: The sauce comes together swiftly, whether you choose to prepare it just before serving or make it ahead of time for even quicker meal assembly.
• Dietary Friendly: Easily adaptable to be a gluten-free recipe by simply using your preferred gluten-free pasta. It’s also naturally vegetarian, and can even be made vegan with a few smart substitutions (see below).
• Incredible Flavor Profile: The concentrated sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes combined with fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, tangy lemon, and savory garlic creates a robust pesto. When blended with creamy ricotta, it softens into a harmonious, complex, and deeply satisfying sauce.
• Versatile Beyond Pasta: This isn’t just a pasta sauce. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it an outstanding dip for entertaining, served with crunchy crudités, artisan crackers, or crisp crostini.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its sophisticated taste and appearance, this dish requires no advanced culinary skills. It’s perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

While this recipe highlights the unique red pesto, it’s also wonderfully delicious made with a traditional green basil pesto, similar to this classic Pesto Genovese.

Key Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Creating this rich and creamy pasta dish requires a handful of quality ingredients that come together to produce a symphony of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Pasta: The foundation of any great pasta dish! You can use any pasta shape you love, whether it’s traditional wheat pasta or a gluten-free alternative. For optimal sauce adherence and a truly satisfying experience, we recommend exploring the pasta guide further down in this post to choose shapes best suited for creamy sauces.
• Ricotta Cheese: This is the secret to the sauce’s incredible creaminess. I highly recommend using whole milk ricotta for its rich, velvety texture and superior flavor. It provides a luxurious mouthfeel without the heaviness of other dairy products like heavy cream or cream cheese, making the sauce feel indulgent yet balanced.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: The star of the show! This vibrant, savory pesto is bursting with concentrated tomato flavor. While homemade pesto is undoubtedly the freshest and easiest to control, taking just minutes to prepare, a good quality store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto can also work in a pinch. If making your own, gather sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, garlic, and lemon juice.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only provides the perfect base for your pesto but also adds a beautiful fruity and peppery note to the finished sauce. It helps create that silky smooth texture. If preferred, avocado oil can be used as a neutral alternative.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is crucial. It brightens the overall flavor profile, cutting through the richness of the ricotta and sun-dried tomatoes, adding a zesty finish that elevates the dish from good to unforgettable.

Optional Garnishes for Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Elevate your dish with these simple yet impactful garnishes, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor:

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or chopped Italian parsley not only adds a pop of color but also infuses a fragrant, herbaceous aroma that complements the pesto beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: For those who love an extra cheesy kick, a generous grating of fresh Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste) over the top is highly recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a welcome warmth and subtle spice, balancing the richness of the sauce.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: A small scattering of lightly toasted pine nuts can add a delightful crunch and extra nutty depth, mirroring the flavor within the pesto itself.

Please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this post for precise measurements and quantities.

Chef Sally’s Tip for Homemade Pesto Rosso: To craft your own sensational sun-dried tomato pesto (red pesto), you’ll need just a few key components. An 8-ounce jar of sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in extra virgin olive oil), a handful of toasted pine nuts, a wedge of Parmesan cheese, a splash of additional olive oil, fresh lemon juice, a clove or two of garlic, and a generous amount of fresh basil leaves. Simply combine these in a food processor and blend until you achieve your desired consistency. This make-ahead pesto is incredibly convenient for busy schedules. For guidance on ingredient swaps or dietary adjustments for the sun-dried tomato pesto itself, please consult the substitutions section within the dedicated pesto recipe post.

To incorporate a boost of protein into this creamy pasta dish, consider flaking in some tender homemade smoked salmon. The smoky notes create a surprisingly delicious and sophisticated combination with the vibrant pesto and creamy ricotta.

Customizing Your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for various substitutions and additions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Alternate Pesto Varieties: While sun-dried tomato pesto is the star, this creamy concept works equally well with other pestos. Try it with a more common basil pesto for a brighter, herb-forward flavor. You can also experiment with arugula pesto, walnut pesto, or even a vegan pesto. Simply blend whipped ricotta cheese with your chosen pesto, adjusting the quantity until it reaches your preferred taste and creaminess. Add extra lemon juice and olive oil as needed to achieve the perfect balance and texture.
• Boosting the Protein: For those who desire a heartier meal, adding protein is simple.
  • Meat Eaters: Sliced grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or baked/grilled salmon are excellent choices that complement the sauce beautifully. Cooked Italian sausages (sliced) or even crispy pancetta can add a wonderful savory depth.
  • Vegetarian/Vegan: Consider adding white beans or chickpeas for a plant-based protein boost. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even crumbled firm tofu can also add substance.
• Adding Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by folding in cooked vegetables. Sautéed spinach, roasted cherry tomatoes (which will burst with sweetness), grilled zucchini, or finely chopped bell peppers are fantastic additions. You can also toss in some blanched broccoli florets or asparagus.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese (softened) can offer a similar creaminess, though it will be tangier. Mascarpone cheese would provide an even richer, sweeter alternative. For a dairy-free option, use a cashew cream base or a high-quality plant-based ricotta substitute.
• Spice It Up: For a bolder flavor, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Herb Variations: If basil isn’t available, fresh oregano or marjoram can offer interesting aromatic variations to the pesto.

If you’re an enthusiast for crafting homemade sauces, you might also enjoy my flavorful gluten-free BBQ sauce! It boasts a delightful kick and deep, complex flavors, making it perfect for practically anything you throw on the grill.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Pesto Ricotta Pasta

Preparing this incredibly flavorful and creamy pasta dish is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for any night of the week. Follow these simple steps for a truly satisfying meal:

First, begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Ensure you use a generously sized pot to allow the pasta to cook evenly. Add a good pinch of salt to the water – this seasons the pasta from within and enhances its flavor. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Before draining, remember to reserve about a half cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid is a chef’s secret weapon, as it can be used to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency, helping it emulsify and cling beautifully to the noodles. While your pasta cooks, you can start preparing the sauce, which takes mere moments.

Selecting the Perfect Pasta Shape for Creamy Sauces

The choice of pasta can significantly impact your enjoyment of a dish, especially when dealing with rich and creamy sauces like our sun-dried tomato pesto with whipped ricotta. Certain pasta shapes are specifically designed to capture, hold, and complement such luxurious sauces, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of pasta and flavor. Here’s a detailed guide to choosing the best pasta for your creamy red pesto:

• Fettuccine: This wide, flat ribbon pasta is a quintessential choice for creamy sauces. Its broad surface area allows the thick, luscious sun-dried tomato ricotta sauce to cling beautifully, ensuring a rich coating with every strand. It’s a classic for a reason, creating that satisfying, sauce-heavy experience.
• Tagliatelle: Similar to fettuccine but typically slightly narrower, tagliatelle also features a broad, flat shape ideal for embracing creamy sauces. It provides an excellent canvas for the pesto, ensuring uniform coverage and a delightful texture in each mouthful.
• Rigatoni: A tubular pasta with characteristic ridges and a large hollow center, rigatoni is a champion at trapping hearty and creamy sauces. The ridges provide extra grip, while the open tube becomes a little reservoir for the rich pesto sauce, delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite.
• Penne: These short, cylinder-shaped tubes, cut at an angle, also boast ridges similar to rigatoni. Penne’s design is perfect for scooping up and holding creamy sauces, making it a popular and effective choice for dishes where the sauce is a primary highlight.
• Fusilli: With its distinct corkscrew or spiral shape, fusilli offers an abundance of nooks and crannies for creamy sauces to settle into. Each twist is designed to be fully coated, ensuring a burst of flavor and texture with every forkful. Another excellent corkscrew option is Cavatappi, which is slightly larger and has an even more pronounced spiral.
• Orecchiette: Meaning “little ears” in Italian, these concave pasta shells are fantastic for cradling thicker, chunkier, or creamy sauces. They effectively scoop up the rich pesto, ensuring a good sauce-to-pasta ratio in every bite.
• Conchiglie (Shells): Similar to orecchiette, medium to large shell-shaped pasta is brilliant for holding creamy sauces. The curved interior acts as a perfect pocket for the flavorful ricotta pesto.

Remember, the goal is to choose a pasta that can stand up to the richness of the sauce and help deliver its full flavor. Whether you prefer long strands or short, robust shapes, there’s a perfect pasta for this creamy sun-dried tomato pesto.

Craving a refreshing and vibrant side? Try this terrific Caesar pasta salad, which is equally delicious with or without chicken, making it a versatile option for any meal.

Chef Sally’s Expert Pasta Tip: Eager to delve deeper into the fascinating world of pasta shapes? Explore the comprehensive pasta shapes dictionary for a wealth of fun facts, historical insights, and pairing recommendations for countless varieties!

Serving Your Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Once your pasta is perfectly cooked al dente and freshly drained, the magic truly happens. Immediately toss the hot pasta with your velvety sun-dried tomato pesto sauce. The warmth of the pasta helps the sauce to emulsify further and cling beautifully to every strand or shape. If the sauce seems a little thick, gradually add some of the reserved starchy pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred silky consistency. This helps create a cohesive and luxurious coating.

One of my favorite approaches is to prepare a larger batch of the pesto ricotta mixture. I use some of it as a delightful dip for snacking throughout the week, then transform the remainder into this incredible pasta sauce. This strategy ensures versatility and minimizes waste.

What to Serve With Your Pasta

This vibrant pasta dish is hearty and flavorful enough to stand alone as a main course, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments:

• Fresh Green Salad: A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread or Crostini: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes would complement the flavors nicely.
• Wine Pairing: A light-bodied white wine like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, a dry Rosé, or even a Sangiovese for red wine lovers would pair well with the tomato and ricotta flavors.

Storage and Freezing Tips

You might wonder, “Can I freeze this delightful sauce?” While you *can* attempt to freeze components, it’s generally advised that ricotta cheese does not freeze particularly well. Upon thawing, ricotta tends to develop a grainy, slightly watery texture, which can diminish the silky smoothness of this sauce. For the best quality and texture, I strongly recommend enjoying this sauce fresh and using any leftovers within 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If you absolutely must freeze it, perhaps as an emergency meal prep, consider freezing only the sun-dried tomato pesto by itself. Then, when you’re ready to make the dish, thaw the pesto and whip in fresh ricotta. If you do freeze the combined sauce, after thawing, re-whip it in a food processor with a splash of fresh lemon juice or olive oil to try and restore some of its creamy texture. Adjust seasonings as preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Explore More Delicious Pasta Recipes!

If you’ve enjoyed the creamy indulgence of this sun-dried tomato pesto pasta, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of my favorite pasta creations. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meat sauce, a classic tomato base, or a rich vegetarian option, there’s a recipe here to inspire your next meal. For three more delectable sauces that pair wonderfully with a variety of pasta shapes, consider trying:

• My robust Bison Bolognese Meat Sauce, offering a leaner yet incredibly flavorful take on the traditional Italian classic.
• An Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce, a foundational red pasta sauce that is versatile and bursting with fresh tomato flavor.
• Or for a richer, earthy experience, my Meaty Mushroom and Herb Pasta Sauce, packed with savory mushrooms and aromatic herbs.

⭐️Loved This Recipe? Share Your Experience!

If you have had the pleasure of preparing and enjoying this sun-dried tomato pesto pasta, I would be absolutely delighted to hear about your experience! Please take a moment to leave a comment below and let me know how much you liked it. Your feedback is invaluable. And if this dish truly captured your heart, kindly consider giving it a 5-star rating! Your ratings and comments genuinely help other readers discover and enjoy this recipe, and I deeply appreciate hearing from you.

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Nutrition Disclaimer

This nutritional information is provided as an estimate and courtesy only. The values presented here may vary significantly depending on the specific brands and products utilized. For precise and accurate nutritional data, it is highly recommended that you calculate the actual nutritional information using a reliable nutritional calculator and the exact ingredients and brands you are using for your dish.