White Pesto Pasta

Ingredients for White Pesto Pasta

• 80g walnuts

• Kosher salt

• 80g fresh ricotta

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 garlic clove, finely grated

• 2 teaspoons finely chopped oregano

• 60g Parmesan, finely grated, plus more for serving

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 450g tube- or rod-shaped pasta (such as rigatoni or spaghetti)

Preheat oven to 177°C. Toast walnuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 6–8 minutes. Let cool, then finely chop. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil.

Vigorously mix walnuts, ricotta, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, and 60g Parmesan in a large bowl until well combined. Add oil 1 tablespoon or so at a time, stirring well after each addition, until all the oil is incorporated. Season pesto with salt and pepper.

Cook pasta in pot of boiling water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Scoop 240ml pasta cooking liquid into bowl with pesto and stir gently to combine (it’s okay if some of the pesto is still in small clumps). Using a spider, tongs, or slotted spoon, transfer pasta directly to bowl with pesto. Mix energetically until pesto thickens enough to lightly coat pasta, about 2 minutes; the pasta should have sauce clinging to it but there should also be some extra sauce that collects in bottom of bowl.

Divide pasta among bowls and serve with more Parmesan alongside for sprinkling over.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.