Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked penne, glistening with vibrant green pesto and luxuriously coated in a creamy cheese blend that promises to transport your taste buds straight to the Italian countryside. This pesto penne and cheese recipe isn't just a meal—it's a 25-minute flavor adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional craving a quick gourmet dinner or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight superhero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 oz of penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce mixture. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pesto sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Once the penne pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as this will wash away the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
- Immediately add the hot penne pasta to the bowl with the pesto and cheese mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season the pasta with salt to taste, mixing well to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
- Once everything is combined, transfer the pesto penne and cheese to a serving dish or individual plates. Optionally, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor and garnish.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your delicious pesto penne and cheese!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously—it's your first chance to build flavor from the ground up.
- Save some pasta water before draining; its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Use high-quality pesto for maximum flavor impact—homemade or a premium store-bought brand makes a huge difference.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for the perfect texture.
- Mix the cheese and pesto off the heat to prevent the ricotta from breaking and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
- For extra indulgence, toast some pine nuts or add fresh basil leaves as a final garnish.
- Experiment with different cheese ratios to find your perfect creamy balance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
