Description
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with basil pesto is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish ready in just 15 minutes. Combining jarred sun-dried tomatoes, fresh ricotta, fragrant basil, and a touch of parmesan, it creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats your choice of pasta. Ideal for a fast weeknight dinner, this recipe offers an aromatic and satisfying meal with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
- 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
Pasta
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Place the sun-dried tomatoes, ricotta, olive oil, basil leaves, sliced garlic, parmesan cheese, and the scant ¼ teaspoon salt into a food processor. Blend briefly until you achieve a coarse, pesto-like consistency rather than a smooth puree. Set the pesto mixture aside while you cook the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Return the drained pasta to the pot over medium heat. Add the sun-dried tomato pesto and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss gently to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a moist, cohesive sauce that evenly coats the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired. Serve hot for the best aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Use pasta water to loosen the pesto sauce and help it cling evenly to the pasta.
- The parmesan cheese in the pesto is optional but adds a rich, savory depth.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after combining the pasta and pesto.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
- You can substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired.
