Name: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup (100 grams) jarred sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil; ½ cup (120 grams) whole-milk ricotta; ½ cup (10 grams) basil leaves; ¼ cup (30 grams) parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional); 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove, sliced; ¼ teaspoon fine salt (scant); Salt & pepper, to taste; ½ lb (225 grams) pasta of choice (spaghetti, fusilli, penne, etc.); ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water; Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to serve (optional); Freshly ground black pepper, to serve (optional); Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

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If you love pasta that bursts with vibrant flavors and creamy textures, then you are going to adore this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage between the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the fresh herbs of basil pesto, and the lusciousness of ricotta cheese that wraps every strand of pasta in pure comfort. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or any time you crave a fuss-free but impressive meal that invites you to dive in with delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A bowl with a creamy dip that has a light brownish-orange color with green herbs mixed in, showing a rough texture. The dip is swirled with a small pool of shiny golden olive oil in the center, topped with a few small green basil leaves. The bowl is white with a slightly rustic edge and sits on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl are some toasted slices of bread, light golden brown with a crisp texture. Fresh green basil leaves and a metal spoon with a long handle are placed near the bowl, adding fresh and simple elements to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the rich ricotta that creates the creamy texture to the aromatic basil that adds brightness, and the sun-dried tomatoes that infuse every bite with an irresistible depth of flavor. Gather these essential components to make this dish come alive.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Use jarred tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor and tenderness without extra prep.
Whole-milk ricotta: Adds a smooth, creamy element that balances the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully.
Basil leaves: Fresh basil brings a vibrant, herbaceous note critical to the pesto’s signature taste.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Grated finely to enrich the pesto sauce with its nutty, savory flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: A quality oil enhances the sauce’s silkiness and brings fruity complexity.
Garlic clove: Thinly sliced to impart subtle savory warmth without overpowering the dish.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out every ingredient’s best qualities.
Pasta: Choose your favorite type—spaghetti, fusilli, or penne—each one holds the sauce beautifully.
Pasta water: Reserved cooking water adds a starchy, silky touch that helps the sauce cling just right.
Freshly grated parmesan and black pepper to serve (optional): Sprinkle on top for that final flourish of taste and texture.

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe

Step 1: Create the Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

First, gather your sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, olive oil, fresh basil, sliced garlic, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Toss them into a food processor just long enough to combine into a coarse pesto—you want to keep some texture rather than a smooth puree. This chunkier consistency adds a gorgeous rustic feel and ensures every mouthful has bursts of flavor and creaminess.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your pesto rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. The perfect chew is key here, so don’t overcook! Before draining, make sure to scoop out and save half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s the secret sauce enhancer that will make everything meld together like magic.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Pesto

Return the drained pasta to its pot and add the sun-dried tomato pesto mixture. Gradually stir in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve a luscious, silky coating. Warm everything gently over medium heat while tossing to ensure each strand or piece of pasta is evenly kissed by the creamy, flavorful pesto. Add more pasta water if needed until you get that perfect, moist texture.

How to Serve Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe

A close-up view shows thick spaghetti noodles coated with a creamy orange sauce that has small green herb bits mixed in. The noodles are being lifted with a wooden fork from a deep black pan filled with more saucy noodles, while in the blurred background there is a white plate with more of the same pasta on a white marbled surface. The sauce looks smooth and creamy, wrapping the noodles evenly with a rich texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this pasta masterpiece, scatter freshly grated parmesan on top and finish with a crack of freshly ground black pepper for a subtle kick. If you like, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds an elegant richness and a hint of fruitiness that brings the whole dish full circle.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Roasted vegetables or a simple garlic bread are also fantastic companions that round out a satisfying meal with harmony and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta in shallow bowls to showcase its vibrant colors and luscious sauce. For a striking presentation, garnish with fresh basil leaves or even a few whole sun-dried tomatoes on top. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a delightful crunch that surprises your guests with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Because the pesto sauce contains ricotta, it’s best enjoyed fresh but will hold its flavor and creaminess well when stored properly.

Freezing

Freezing is not highly recommended for this particular Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe due to the dairy content, which can separate or become grainy upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh or store leftovers refrigerated only.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess and prevent sticking. Avoid using a microwave for reheating as it can cause the ricotta to separate and the texture to suffer.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil in this recipe?

While fresh basil is ideal for the bright, fresh notes it provides, you can substitute with dried basil in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated, but expect a less vibrant flavor.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water for this recipe?

Yes! The starchy pasta water is what helps bind the pesto sauce to the pasta, creating the perfect creamy texture and luscious coating that gives this dish its signature appeal.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can easily adapt this by omitting the parmesan and ricotta, substituting with plant-based alternatives like vegan ricotta and nutritional yeast for the cheesy notes. Using olive oil generously will help maintain richness.

What types of pasta work best for this dish?

Almost any pasta works wonderfully here. Spaghetti, fusilli, or penne are excellent choices. The key is that the pasta shape holds onto the creamy pesto sauce well, so pick your favorite!

How spicy is this pasta?

This recipe is mild and creamy with no inherent spiciness. If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a touch of chili oil while tossing the pasta for a custom spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe enough! It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly, tastes incredible, and feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this pasta dish promises to brighten any meal and leave you craving just one more bite. Give it a try—you’ll thank me later.

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pesto Recipe