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Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Ricotta, and Anchovies

17/11/2023

I’m happy to help you with the recipe for pasta with sun-dried tomato pesto, ricotta, and anchovies. A dish that unites Mediterranean flavors in a pleasantly rustic and savory combination. Here is the recipe for 4 people:

Ingredients

  • 320 g of pasta (penne, fusilli, or another short shape of your choice)
  • 100 g of sun-dried tomatoes in oil
  • 200 g of fresh ricotta
  • 8 anchovy fillets in oil
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley
  • 40 g of pine nuts
  • Extra-virgin olive oil to taste
  • Chili powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Preparation

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  2. Meanwhile, prepare the sun-dried tomato pesto: place the sun-dried tomatoes, pine nuts, anchovy fillets, 1 peeled garlic clove, and a bunch of parsley (reserving a little for the final garnish) in a blender or food processor. Blend until you obtain a fairly smooth mixture, adding extra-virgin olive oil to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt (sparingly, since the anchovies are already salty) and pepper to taste. If you like, add a pinch of chili for extra character.
  3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, al dente.
  4. Heat a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil in a pan and briefly sauté the remaining garlic clove, removing it as soon as it turns golden.
  5. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of cooking water, and transfer it to the pan with the garlic-infused oil.
  6. Add the sun-dried tomato pesto to the pasta and mix well. If needed, loosen with a little of the reserved cooking water to make everything creamier.
  7. Incorporate the ricotta, crumbling it directly into the pan. Stir until creamy and well combined with the pasta.
  8. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Fun Facts

Despite the use of ricotta, this dish has a strong Mediterranean character, especially due to the presence of sun-dried tomatoes and anchovies. It is a versatile recipe that allows you to experiment with various pasta shapes and easily adjust it to your personal taste.