Rich, creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this Creamy Red Pesto Pasta combines tender chicken, vibrant red pesto, mascarpone, harissa, and fresh vegetables for a comforting weeknight dinner.
If you love creamy pasta dishes with plenty of flavor, this red pesto pasta is one to add to your regular dinner rotation. The combination of sweet and savory red pesto, creamy mascarpone, tender chicken, and a little harissa creates a sauce that is rich without being overly heavy.
It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it is also delicious enough to serve when you’re cooking for friends or family.
Why You’ll Love This Red Pesto Pasta
There is so much to love about this easy pasta recipe:
- Creamy and flavorful: Mascarpone gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.
- A little spicy: Harissa adds a gentle kick that balances the creamy sauce.
- Packed with vegetables: Cherry tomatoes, red pepper, spinach, and spring onion add color, freshness, and flavor.
- Easy to customize: Swap the chicken, pasta shape, or mascarpone depending on what you have available.
- Perfect for weeknights: Most of the preparation is simple and straightforward.
What Is Red Pesto?
Red pesto, sometimes called pesto rosso, is a delicious alternative to traditional green basil pesto.
It is typically made with ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The result is a pesto with a deeper, slightly smoky and tangy flavor.
If you’ve only tried classic basil pesto before, red pesto is definitely worth trying. Its rich tomato flavor works especially well with creamy sauces and pasta.
Ingredients
Here are the main ingredients you’ll need for this creamy red pesto pasta.
Pasta
Casareccia pasta works beautifully because its twisted shape holds onto the creamy sauce. However, you can easily substitute it with penne, fusilli, rigatoni, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta.
Chicken Breast
Chicken breast adds protein and makes this pasta a satisfying main meal. If you’re short on time, leftover cooked chicken can also be used.
Red Pesto
Store-bought red pesto keeps this recipe quick and convenient. Homemade red pesto works just as well if you have some prepared.
Mascarpone
Mascarpone creates the creamy, luxurious texture of the sauce. If you don’t have mascarpone, cream cheese can be used as an alternative.
Harissa Paste
A little harissa gives the sauce a subtle spicy kick. For a milder version, replace it with tomato paste and a small amount of red pepper flakes.
Vegetables
You’ll need:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red bell pepper
- Fresh spinach
- Spring onion
Together, they add sweetness, freshness, texture, and plenty of color.
Other Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Parmesan or Parmigiano Reggiano
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh herbs, if desired
How to Make Creamy Red Pesto Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions.
Before draining, reserve some of the pasta water. A little starchy pasta water can help loosen the sauce and give it a silky consistency.
2. Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook until golden on the outside and completely cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, simply warm it through later.
3. Cook the Vegetables
Add the red pepper and cherry tomatoes to the same skillet.
Cook until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the spinach and allow it to wilt.
4. Make the Creamy Red Pesto Sauce
Lower the heat and add the red pesto, mascarpone, and harissa paste.
Stir everything together until the mascarpone melts into the pesto and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
5. Add the Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta.
Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy red pesto sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper.
6. Finish and Serve
Top with sliced spring onion, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and fresh herbs if desired.
Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.
Can I Make Homemade Red Pesto?
Absolutely.
If you’d like to make your own red pesto, blend together:
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Red bell pepper
- Roasted red pepper
- Pine nuts
- Garlic
- Parmesan
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil
Blend until you reach your preferred consistency. You can keep it slightly chunky for extra texture or blend it until smooth and creamy.
Of course, using a good-quality store-bought red pesto is a great shortcut when you want to get dinner on the table quickly.
Easy Substitutions
This recipe is very flexible, so don’t worry if you don’t have every ingredient.
No chicken? Use cooked turkey, another protein, or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
No mascarpone? Cream cheese makes a great substitute.
No casareccia? Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti will all work.
Want less spice? Reduce the harissa or replace it with tomato paste.
No fresh spinach? Frozen spinach can also be used. Thaw and drain it before adding it to the sauce.
Want more vegetables? Add mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or extra peppers.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy red pesto pasta is delicious on its own, but you can easily turn it into a complete dinner with a few simple additions.
Fresh Green Salad
A crisp green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta.
Lemon
Serve with a lemon wedge and squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before eating. The acidity helps balance the richness of the sauce.
Balsamic Glaze
A small drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a delicious sweet and tangy finish.
Seeds or Pine Nuts
For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts over the finished pasta.
Green Olives
Chopped green olives add a salty, briny flavor that works particularly well with the tomato-based pesto.
Fresh Herbs
Finish with fresh basil, parsley, or another soft herb for a burst of freshness.
Recipe Tips
Don’t overcook the pasta. Cooking it until al dente gives the finished dish a better texture.
Save some pasta water. The starchy water is perfect for thinning the sauce while helping it cling to the pasta.
Adjust the spice. Harissa can vary significantly in heat, so start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly into the finished dish and adds a richer flavor.
Serve immediately. Creamy pasta is best enjoyed straight from the pan while the sauce is silky and warm.
Creamy Red Pesto Pasta Recipe
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Ingredients
- Casareccia pasta
- Chicken breast
- Red pesto
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red bell pepper
- Fresh spinach
- Spring onion
- Mascarpone
- Harissa paste
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and cook the red pepper and cherry tomatoes in the same pan.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in the red pesto, mascarpone, and harissa over low heat.
- Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta.
- Toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Finish with spring onion and freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta vegetarian?
Yes. Simply leave out the chicken. You can add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli instead.
Can I use cream instead of mascarpone?
Yes. Cream cheese is the closest simple substitute, but heavy cream can also be used to create a creamy sauce.
Can I use green pesto?
You can, although the flavor will be different. Red pesto gives this recipe its distinctive rich tomato and roasted pepper flavor.
Can I prepare this pasta ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container and gently reheated. Add a splash of water or milk when reheating if the sauce has thickened.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Red Pesto Pasta is the kind of comforting dinner that feels much more impressive than the effort required to make it.
With tender chicken, creamy mascarpone, bold red pesto, vegetables, and a touch of harissa, every forkful combines richness, freshness, and just the right amount of heat.
It’s an easy recipe for a busy weeknight, but it’s also special enough for a relaxed weekend dinner.
