Learn how to make the best creamy Ricotta Pesto Sauce! This tasty sauce is super quick and easy to prepare, and it has a decadent and delicious flavor you'll love. Plus, it's super versatile: mix it with pasta, serve it as a dip, use it as a pizza sauce, and so much more!
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Ginnie's Take
If you've hung around here long enough, you probably know that I love pesto. I can't resist the vibrant, herbaceous flavor, and there are so many delicious ways to use it! If you're searching for a creamy version of the classic recipe, you're going to love my Ricotta Pesto Sauce recipe. This yummy sauce is loaded with fresh basil flavor, and it has a wonderful, silky smooth texture that's so decadent. You can mix this scrumptious sauce with pasta, serve it as a dip, and so much more ... you'll find lots of easy ideas below!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick + Easy to Make - This tasty basil sauce couldn't be easier to make! The recipe starts with homemade pesto, but store bought works just fine, too. Either way, this irresistible sauce is ready in minutes.
- Super Delicious - You are going to fall in love with this creamy pesto! It has the same bright basil flavor you know and love from traditional pesto, but the addition of rich ricotta cheese makes it even more delicious.
- Versatile - There are so many ways to use this vibrant green sauce, from pasta to bowls to pizza, and more. Check out all my tips below!
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Ingredients
You need just a few basic ingredients to make this easy recipe:
- Ricotta - For the creamiest results, I recommend using whole milk ricotta, although part skim will also work (avoid fat free).
- Homemade (or Store Bought) Pesto - To make the pesto from scratch, you'll need: fresh basil, garlic, nuts (such as pine nuts, walnuts, etc.), parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and salt (I recommend using kosher salt). In my experience, most store bought pestos just don't taste very good or fresh. However, I have made this recipe with Rana Pesto (my fave), and it turned out great.
- Secret Ingredient - While it's optional, adding fresh lemon zest will brighten up the sauce, balance the richness, and enhance all the other flavors. I highly recommend adding it!
This recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten free (if you have an allergy, check labels carefully). You can easily make it nut free by skipping the walnuts.
You'll Also Need
Using a food processor makes preparing this sauce super quick and easy! Grab a microplane zester (one of my favorite and most used kitchen tools) too, to zest the lemon.
How to Make Pesto Ricotta Sauce
This delicious sauce couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a detailed recipe card below, but here's a quick overview:
- Make the pesto. Start by mincing the garlic and nuts in your food processor. Next, add the basil, parmesan, olive oil, lemon zest, and salt. Process the ingredients together until they're puréed and a smooth sauce forms.
- Blend in ricotta. Add the ricotta cheese to the pesto, then continue blending until well mixed and smooth. Season generously with additional salt to taste.
Like I said, this delightful Ricotta Pesto Sauce is ready in minutes. And after just one bite, you'll fall in love with its amazing flavor and creamy texture just as quickly!
Variations
This Ricotta Cheese and Pesto Sauce is fun and easy to experiment with! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Different Types of Pesto - This recipe starts with my favorite easy homemade pesto, but other varieties (such as Rosemary Pesto, Macadamia Nut Pesto, Cilantro Pesto, or Kale Pesto) would also work great! You can also substitute ½ cup store bought pesto (this Rana Pesto is my go-to).
- Nuts - Experiment with different varieties of nuts (like pine nuts, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, etc.), or feel free leave them out for a nut free version.
- Herbs - Pair the basil with parsley, cilantro, sage, and other soft herbs for a unique flavor.
- Greens - You can also swap out some of the basil for tender greens, such as spinach or arugula.
- No Lemon - Leave out the lemon zest, if you prefer.
- Spicy - Give the sauce a little heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes (I'd do ¼ to ½ teaspoon).
Ways to Use
There are so many ways to use this tasty Ricotta Pesto recipe!
- Pasta Sauce - Of course, it makes an excellent pasta sauce, and you'll love my easy Ricotta Pesto Pasta recipe! You can also use the sauce as a filling in baked pasta dishes, like lasagna and stuffed shells.
- Dip - Serve this creamy Pesto Sauce as a flavorful dip. It's wonderful paired with crackers, veggies, crusty bread, or crostini toasts.
- Pizza Sauce - Spread over pizza dough in place of traditional tomato sauce.
- Spread - Use the sauce as a flavor-packed spread on your favorite sandwiches and toasts. (Try it on these Halloumi Sandwiches and these Tomato Toasts.) It also make a great crostini topper.
- Topping - Serve it as a topping on Italian-inspired dishes, such as this homemade Minestrone, Creamy Tortellini Soup, Tomato Mascarpone Pasta, or pasta with Marinara Sauce.
- Bowls - Add this rich sauce to your fave bowl meals (like this Roasted Vegetable Bowl or this Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl). Try mixing it with grains for added flavor, serving it as a topping, or spreading it over the serving bowl (before adding the other ingredients) for creamy texture and pop of flavor.
- Veggies - Pair it with steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables. You can toss it with the veggies, drizzle it over the top, over serve the vegetables over a big dollop.
Storage
Store leftover Pesto Ricotta in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for three to four days. Stir well before using.
Related Recipes
Looking for more unique pesto ideas? Try one of these tasty recipes next:
You'll love these easy ways to use ricotta cheese, too: Easy Cheese Lasagna, Roasted Vegetable Tart, White Pizza with Ricotta, Baked Ricotta, Four Cheese Calzones, and Lemon Ricotta Pasta!
Ricotta Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup nuts (such as pine nuts or walnuts)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (lightly packed)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- zest from 1 lemon (optional)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Equipment
Instructions
- Place garlic cloves and nuts in food processor, then mince.
- Add basil, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and lemon zest to food processor; process until pureed. (Scrape down the sides of machine as needed, to ensure everything is well blended.)
- Mix in ricotta, blending until smooth.
- Season generously with salt to taste, then use immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
