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This simple One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta is the perfect pasta dinner. Super quick, easy, and so delicious! Sun-dried tomatoes are cooked in oil with Spanish paprika and chili flakes then tossed together with hot penne pasta, plenty of parmesan, and fresh herbs. When the hot pasta is tossed with the creamy whipped ricotta cheese it melts into the most delicious sauce. It’s so delicious, and one of those all-in-one dinners that everyone at the table will love.
Truth is, I’ve been having a hard time with recipes the last few days. I’m so excited when I start out cooking, but by the end of the day, nothing seems to be working out just right. These days happen from time to time, so it’s totally OK, just frustrating. Fortunately, they help me appreciate the great days I have when testing new recipes.
The day I made this pasta was a great day. My first attempt the previous day needed some adjustments. But with a few tweaks, I ended up being so excited to share this recipe!
This pasta is magical. Ok, that’s slightly dramatic, but it’s one of those easy as can be dinners that’s actually so delicious and flavorful.
The details
Seeing as this is a one-pot recipe, it’s pretty straightforward. But there are a few special things I want to point out!
Start with the sun-dried tomatoes. I love using a jar of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes. Not only are the tomatoes delicious, but I also like to use the oil from the jar in this dish. The oil is always seasoned, so it adds even more flavor. Just make sure it’s extra virgin olive oil.
You’ll want to drain the oil into a large pan, then finely chop the tomatoes.
To the oil, add in some shallots and garlic, then toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Now, this next step is key. Cook the tomatoes in the oil until they begin crisping and almost become fried. This will really help to intensify the flavors in the sauce.
After this step, the rest really is simple, simple. Pour in the water, add the pasta, and let the pasta cook. Just make sure to stir the pasta often to avoid any of it sticking to the pan.
Whip the ricotta
While the pasta cooks, I like to whip the ricotta cheese. Just add the ricotta and some lemon to a food processor or blender and puree until it’s super creamy.
Season with salt and that’s that. It’s the easiest, but it makes for the best pasta. And yes, this does technically count as one more thing to wash. But everything else can all be made fully in one pot, so, close enough, right?
Finish the pasta
When the pasta is al dente, stir in all the parmesan and a pat of butter. Stir until super creamy, then remove from the heat.
Then add in all the fresh herbs…immediately the smell of fresh herbs will fill the air.
Swirl the whipped ricotta into either a large serving bowl or individual bowls. Add the hot pasta (it has to be hot), and gently toss with the ricotta.
The heat from the pasta melts the ricotta turning it into the creamiest, most delicious sauce. It makes the pasta SO GOOD.
And all of this deliciousness will happen in under 30 minutes!
Excited to have this recipe in my deck of recipes. It’s pretty perfect any time of the year and everyone really loves it. You could even add chicken for any of your meat-eaters too!
I also like to serve this with arugula or a big green salad. Keep it light and fresh for springtime!
Looking for other one-pot recipes? Here are my favorites:
One Pot Stove-Top Mac and Cheese
French Onion Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Lemon Butter Dijon Chicken and Orzo with Feta Sauce
Healthier Homemade One Pot Hamburger Helper
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Lastly, if you make this One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 412 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 jar (8 ounce) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 small shallots, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 1/2 teaspoon spanish or smoked paprika
- red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 pound short cut pasta
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- 1. Drain the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar into a large pot or skillet with sides. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes.2. Set the pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and garlic, cook until fragrant, 2 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes turn deep red and are crisping, 3-5 minutes. Add 3 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, add the pasta, and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente, 8 minutes. 3. Meanwhile, whip the ricotta and lemon in a food processor until creamy. Season with salt. 4. To the pasta, stir in in the parmesan and butter until very creamy. Remove from the heat and stir in the basil, parsley, and dill. 3. Swirl the ricotta into a large pasta bowl or individual bowls. Add the hot pasta and lightly toss with the ricotta. Top each bowl with additional herbs and parmesan.
Like all of her recipes, this is sooo good and easy too. The whipped ricotta is next level. A great go-to for pasta and wine nights on the patio, and sure to impress friends when hosting! Thank you! We love you & your recipes!!
Hey Kara,
Happy Monday!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a go, I am so glad it was a winner:) Have the best week! xx
I am obsessed with your recipes, they are beyond delicious. We made this one twice now, it’s a keeper. I rarely ever make any recipes that aren’t yours anymore, and I cook at home daily. I’m so grateful that you share these recipes with us!! I would love to see more main courses on your site that are vegetarian / vegan, or at least veggie substitutions for the recipes that do have meat. I wish I could make all of your recipes!
Hey Marie,
Happy Friday!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe and sharing your review. I love that it was enjoyed!! Thanks for your kind message:) Happy 4th of July weekend!??
So so so so good! I made this for Father’s Day & it was a huge hit with the entire family. I absolutely love that the recipe calls to use the oil from the jar of sun dried tomatoes—such a great way to reduce waste & bump up the flavor!
Hey Stephanie,
Awesome!! Love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks for making it and sharing your feedback!! 🙂
We made this beautiful recipe today for dinner and we loved it a lot. The whipped ricotta adds some freshness and creaminess. It was delicious, thanks for this great recipe!
Hey Tina,
Happy Wednesday!! Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed!!? xTieghan
Love this ! Have made it several times and once for gathering. It was all eaten! The whipped ricotta is
Addictive and I’ll prob add to more pasta recipes. Thank you so much! I can’t wait to try your other recipes.
Hey Traci,
Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for making this recipe and sharing your feedback!! Love to hear that it was a winner:) xxT
This was the best recipe i’ve ever found online for pasta, I added an extra cup of water since it didn’t cover the noodles all the way and WOW ? I served this up and it was devoured in minutes. The dill really elevated the flavor profile with the basil and parsley, the whipped ricotta was such a savory twist. This is being added to my staples and will be making it for gatherings to show my friends I can cook LOL
Hey Stacy,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! Have the best week:) xxT
Love this pasta! had to add a bit of extra water throughout, and remember people stir stir stir! The ricotta is such a nice creamy touch.
Hey Ashley,
Happy Sunday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for trying it out! xTieghan
What can I say?! I just started using your recipes this week and they have all gone beyond any expectations that I have had. Everyone loved this pasta recipe to bits!
Keep doing what you are doing!!
Hey Emma,
Awesome!! Thanks for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Have a great week:) Thanks for your kind message! xTieghan
Why the dill? I’m planning on making this, this weekend, but the dill seems odd. Is it necessary?
Hey Carolyn,
I just like to add a bit of freshness with the dill, but you can skip it if you like:) Please let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xx
Made this with chèvre the first time because that’s what we had and it was amazing. Made is with ricotta tonight and I have to say I prefer the chèvre, recommend the change!
Hi Molly,
Happy Sunday!! I am thrilled to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
Ooh really like this idea! I am out of Ricotta and so is the local store! Will try the Chevre!
Love this recipe! So delicious and easy to make! Definite winner!
Hey Karen,
Awesome!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit! Have the best weekend!? xxTieghan
As usual, you continue to make the BEST recipes!!! This was AMAZING!!!
Thank you thank you thank you!!! Would it be bad to add some bacon bits in next time?? I might try it!!
Hey Deanna,
I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for giving it a try and sharing your review:) Sure, that would be just fine for you to do! xxTieghan
This recipe was incredibly good! This is a must try and remake over and over!
Hey Katie,
Awesome!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it!! Have a great week:) xxT
Loved it ! A great recipe full of flavour as usual and quite easy !
Hey Amy,
Happy Sunday!! I love hearing that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a bunch for trying it out and sharing your feedback!! xTieghan
So delicious wonderful flavours yet simple to make. New favourite!
Hey Alison,
Wonderful!! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was a hit! Have a great weekend:) xx
Layer after layer of flavor. Cooking pasta with the sauce enhances flavor of both. Amazing.
Hi Carol,
Happy Friday!! I love to hear that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan