Baked Sausage and Ricotta Pasta with Pesto Recipe
Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This baked sausage and ricotta pasta with pesto is the perfect combination of hearty, creamy, and cheesy flavors. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you’ll have a dish that earns rave reviews. Perfect for a family dinner or a special treat just for you!
Ingredients
1 lb hot Italian sausage (or mild if you prefer)
1 lb pasta (spinach and cheese ravioli works beautifully, but penne or rigatoni also shine)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3–4 tbsp basil pesto
3–4 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto
½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Cook the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casing and add it to the pan. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Aim for rich, golden color—it’s worth the extra few minutes. Once fully cooked, lower the heat to medium-low.
2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions. If you’re using fresh ravioli, keep a close eye—it cooks quickly! Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. This will be key for making a creamy sauce later.
3. Make the Sauce
With the sausage browned and the pasta ready, stir 2–3 tablespoons of ricotta cheese into the sausage in the pan. Add a few tablespoons of both basil pesto and sun-dried tomato pesto for a flavor-packed sauce. Gradually mix in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss it with the sausage-pesto sauce. Stir until every piece of pasta is coated in deliciousness.
5. Prepare for Baking
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Add dollops of ricotta across the surface, along with spoonfuls of both pestos for extra bursts of flavor. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top for a cheesy finish.
6. Bake or Broil
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the dish until the cheese is fully melted. For that perfect bubbly, golden crust, switch to the broil setting for 1–2 minutes—but keep a close eye, as the broiler works quickly!
7. Serve and Savor
Once the cheese is melted and bubbling, remove the dish from the oven. Serve warm, and for extra indulgence, pair it with some crusty bread. Dig in and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Ingredients: Add incredible flavor by visiting a local Italian market for fresh pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and pesto.
Customize the Heat: Prefer mild? Swap out hot Italian sausage for mild to suit your preference.
Experiment with Pasta: Not in the mood for ravioli? Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle will work just as well.
This baked sausage and ricotta pasta with pesto is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Whether you're hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this recipe hits all the comfort food marks.