#23 in my '100 30 Minute Meals' series is this rich and creamy Sausage Pesto Ricotta Pasta. Made with browned Italian sausage and pasta mixed with a sauce made of onion & garlic, ricotta cheese, pesto, Parmesan, and beef broth.
Why You'll Love this Pesto Ricotta Pasta:
- It comes together in just 30 minutes!
- It's a savory, meaty version of a classic. Ground Italian sausage adds savory, umami flavor and texture.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
Jump to:
Key Ingredients:
- Short-Cut Pasta: Use your favorite variety and shape.
- Ground Italian Sausage: Cooked until browned and crumbled, sausage adds a a savory flavor that balances the pesto.
- Butter: Extra fat used to saute the onions & garlic as well as tone down any tanginess.
- Pesto Ricotta Sauce: Reserved pasta water, beef broth, tangy pesto, creamy ricotta, and Parmesan cheese are all blended together to create a creamy, velvety sauce.
Dietary Swaps:
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten free short-cut pasta and ensure all store-bought ingredients (especially pesto & broth) are labelled gluten free.
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage or use a plant based version such as Impossible Foods Ground 'Sausage' and use a veggie broth.
Recipe Variations:
- Load it with Veggies! This pasta is great with sauteed spinach, mushrooms, or even sliced cherry tomatoes.
- Make it Spicy. Use hot Italian sausage and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it Creamier, with a splash of heavy cream or half & half.
Tips & Recipe Notes:
- Reserve at least 1-1 ½ cups pasta water before draining! The starch and salt in the pasta water gives the sauce flavor and a silky texture.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more or less pasta water.
- Taste and adjust sauce to preference. Add a little lemon juice for more acid and tang.
Store and Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ricotta will thicken as it sits in the fridge. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to revive the sauce.
- Reheat leftovers on the stove top over medium low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream and stir until warmed through.
More 30 Minute Meals You Will Love:
- Mushrooms and Gnocchi
- Creamy Ground Beef & Pasta
- Sausage Leek Pasta
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Chicken
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Butter Chicken Pasta
Recipe
Sausage Pesto Ricotta Pasta
Made with browned Italian sausage and pasta mixed with a sauce made of onion & garlic, ricotta cheese, pesto, Parmesan, and beef broth.
Ingredients
- 8 oz short-cut pasta
- 3 tablespoon butter divided
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup diced onion about ½ onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup reserved pasta water more as needed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- ½ cup pesto
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve at least 1½ cups pasta water; drain the rest.
- In a large pot or skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Cook sausage over medium heat, breaking into crumbles, until browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Melt remaining butter in the same pot. Add onion and cook 4 minutes, stirring often. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 1 cup pasta water, beef broth, ricotta, pesto, and parmesan. Stir until creamy and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon, red pepper flakes, or extra parmesan.
- Add cooked sausage and pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat, adding additional pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Top with extra parmesan or fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
- Reserve at least 1-1 ½ cups pasta water before draining! The starch and salt in the pasta water gives the sauce flavor and a silky texture.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more or less pasta water.
- Taste and adjust sauce to preference. Add a little lemon juice for more acid and tang.
- Nutrition values are an estimate only.
Nutrition
Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 28gFat: 35gFiber: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
Tried this Pesto Ricotta Pasta? I'd love to hear how it turned out! ⭐ Please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below. Your feedback helps others discover this easy 30 minute meal. Enjoy, and happy cooking! Follow me on Instagram and Subscribe to my newsletter more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.
Comments
No Comments