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Home » Recipes » Pasta Sauces

Published: May 6, 2024 · Modified: May 6, 2024 by Jacqui

Pesto Calabrese (Red Pepper Pesto) with Pasta


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Get ready to spice up your pesto life with this delicious pesto Calabrese from Calabria. This sauce has a creamy red pepper base that can be used in many ways. Try enjoying it hot or cold with your pasta, use it as a dip, or spread it on bruschetta.

Pesto calabrese in a bowl with pasta.

History

In Italian, the word pesto derives from the verb 'pestare' meaning to pound or crush. The original recipe for pesto comes from Liguria, home to pesto Genovese or basil pesto. That pesto is traditionally made using a pestle and mortar. So the word pesto and the English 'pestle' derive from the same source! Nowadays, many Italians prefer to use a food blender or processor to make pesto.

Long fusilli pasta with pesto Calabrese.

This is not actually an old traditional Calabrian recipe but includes typical ingredients from Calabria and has become very popular here in Italy. So much so, that Barilla and other companies make and sell it as a ready sauce. Although Barilla’s version doesn’t include ricotta.

Other versions of pesto calabrese

Pesto Calabrese is known as a red pesto or red pepper pesto. However, although I haven't tried it, this can be made in a green version too. Just use green capsicums, green tomatoes and green peperoncino. You can also prepare a good quantity of this sauce and freeze it in small portions so you have it ready for other meals.

Pesto Calabrese in a bowl.

Ingredients

Pasta: I used long fusilli pasta because its spirals make it excellent at holding sauces. You can substitute other pasta shapes, such as penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or farfalle, depending on what you have on hand or prefer.

Fresh Ricotta: Adds creaminess to the pesto. Use sheep's milk ricotta for a richer flavor or cow's milk ricotta for a lighter taste.

Pecorino Cheese: This sharp, salty cheese enhances the depth of the pesto. If Pecorino is unavailable, a good Parmesan like Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano is a good substitute. If you are vegetarian, make sure to use vegetarian parmesan, as traditional Parmigiano and Grana contain animal rennet.

Vine Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a slight tang and sweetness. Datterini tomatoes are a great alternative to vine tomatoes.

Red Bell Pepper: Provides a sweet, vibrant base for the pesto. You can use one large or two small peppers.

Tropea Onion: Has a mild and sweet flavor that complements the sweet notes of the red bell pepper. If Tropea onions are not available, any red onion can be used as a substitute.

Peperoncino Flakes: These chili flakes add a subtle heat to the pesto. Adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your food.

Oregano: This herb introduces a classic Mediterranean flavor to the dish. Use fresh for a brighter flavor or dried for an earthier flavor.

Fresh Basil: Basil leaves add a lovely, herbal note that lifts the flavors of the pesto.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin oil as it will add more flavor to the vegetables while they cook.

Chopped tomatoes, red peppers, onions and herbs in white bowls plus ricotta and grated pecorino in white bowls.

Expert Tips

Gentle Cooking: When cooking the onions, red bell peppers, and tomatoes for the pesto, maintain a medium heat to avoid browning the vegetables. High heat can cause browning, which might introduce a bitter flavor and diminish some of the vibrant, fresh flavors of the red pesto.

Blending the Pesto: For those who prefer a smooth pesto, blend the vegetables and herbs until thoroughly combined. If you're aiming for a rustic texture with more body, pulse the blender a few times, check the consistency, and then pulse again as needed. Continuously check to ensure you achieve your desired texture without overprocessing.

Reserving Pasta Water: Always reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water is invaluable for adjusting the consistency of your pesto sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta without becoming too thick.

Step by Step Instructions

1) In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until slightly soft. Add the chopped red bell pepper and continue cooking until it starts to soften.

Chopped red peppers and onions in frying pan.

2) Add the tomatoes and peperoncino and cook for about 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened. Season with salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Fresh basil, tomatoes, onions and red peppers cooking in frying pan.

3) Remove from heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly. Transfer to a blender or food processor, add the cooking juices, and blend to a smooth, creamy consistency.

Note: If you prefer a rustic texture, pulse the blender instead until you have a creamy sauce with some small chunks.

Freshly blended pesto calabrese in a food processor.

4) Transfer the blended vegetable mixture to a bowl. Stir in 200g of ricotta and the grated pecorino until well combined. Set aside. Your pesto Calabrese is ready to eat.

Mixing in ricotta and pecorino into the pesto calabrese.

How to serve your pesto calabrese with pasta

1) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and return to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2) In a large pan over medium-low heat, mix the drained pasta with the pesto Calabrese. Stir together until hot throughout. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta cooking water.

3) Serve the pasta immediately, topped with extra ricotta, basil, and optionally roasted tomatoes and a sprinkle of red chili flakes.

Pasta with pesto Calabrese topped with ricotta and garnished with basil and roasted tomatoes.

Storage and Leftovers

Pesto Calabrese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its freshness and flavor for 4-5 days.

If you've mixed the pasta with the pesto, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe container and cover it. Heat on medium power for 2 minutes, then stir. Continue heating in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is hot throughout.

The pesto and pasta can also be enjoyed cold from the refrigerator, which makes for a refreshing meal, especially in warmer weather.

FAQs

Can I freeze Pesto Calabrese?

You can freeze pesto calabrese; however, it's best enjoyed fresh. If you do choose to freeze it, note that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Use it within 6 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before using.

More ways to eat pesto calabrese

This pesto is also fabulous as a dip or on bruschetta or even with meat or cheese. So, if you make enough you can try serving it in different ways to see which you like best. Whichever way you serve it, I'm sure it will become a firm favorite!

How spicy is Pesto Calabrese, and can I adjust the heat?

Pesto Calabrese has a mild to moderate heat level that comes from the peperoncino chili. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of peperoncino flakes when preparing the pesto. For those who enjoy more heat, you can easily increase the spiciness by seasoning the finished pesto with additional dried red chili flakes to taste.

More Recipes You May Like:

  1. Pistachio pesto from Sicily
  2. Pesto Trapanese with busiate
  3. Basil pesto lasagna
  4. Linguine with mint pesto and ricotta cream
  5. Sicilian pesto

If you make this pesto Calabrese I’d love to hear how it turns out and if you liked it. Please leave a comment here on the blog or on The Pasta Project Facebook page. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Buon appetito!

Want to know more about my life in Italy? Why not subscribe to my newsletter? New subscribers get a free series of recipe e-books too!

Pesto Calabrese with pasta in a bowl.

Pesto Calabrese (Red Pepper Pesto) with Pasta

Jacqui
A creamy pesto recipe with a spicy kick from Calabria that's quick and easy to make and full of Southern Italian flavor! Perfect on pasta but also great as a dip or on bruschetta!
5 from 39 votes
Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved! Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Calabria, Italian, Mediterranean, Southern Italian
Servings 4
Calories 675 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 14 oz long fusilli (I used Garofalo)
  • 9 oz fresh ricotta (sheep's milk or cow's milk)
  • 2 oz Pecorino cheese grated vegetarians should use a vegetarian cheese instead.
  • 4 vine tomatoes (or 6-8 datterini tomatoes)
  • 1 large red bell pepper or 2 small ones
  • 1 tropea onion peeled and chopped or other red onion
  • ½ teaspoon peperoncino flakes or ½ a fresh or dried chilli pepper. You can use more or less depending on your taste.
  • 1 teaspoon oregano fresh or dried
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves
  • salt for pasta and to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a large frying pan or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until slightly soft. Add the chopped red bell pepper and continue cooking until it starts to soften.
  • Add the tomatoes and peperoncino and cook for about 15 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened. Season with salt, black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and allow the vegetables to cool slightly. Transfer to a blender or food processor, add the cooking juices, and blend to a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Note: If you prefer a rustic texture, pulse the blender instead until you have a creamy sauce with some small chunks.
  • Transfer the blended vegetable mixture to a bowl. Stir in 7oz of ricotta and the grated pecorino until well combined. Set aside. Your pesto Calabrese is ready to eat.

How to serve your pesto calabrese with pasta

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and return to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  • In a large pan over medium-low heat, mix the drained pasta with the pesto Calabrese. Stir together until hot throughout. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta cooking water.
  • Serve the pasta immediately, topped with extra ricotta, basil, and optionally roasted tomatoes and a sprinkle of red chili flakes.
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Notes

This recipe can be made with other types of pasta, although fusilli (long or short) pairs really well with it!
You can freeze this sauce or keep it in the fridge for 2-3 days covered in cling film.
This pesto is also delicious served as a dip or on bruschetta.

Nutrition

Calories: 675kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 25gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 212mgPotassium: 451mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1439IUVitamin C: 43mgCalcium: 302mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Calabria, Calabrian recipe, fusilli, pesto, pesto Calabrese, pesto pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This recipe was first published in 2017 but has been updated with new photos and text.

Pin for Later:

Pesto Calabrese (red pepper pesto) with pasta.

If you are interested in learning how to make homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of one of my pasta recipe cookbooks!?


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  • Penne Pomodoro easy tomato basil pasta.
    Penne Pomodoro Recipe (easy tomato basil pasta).
  • Pasta all’Amatriciana in a bowl.
    Pasta all’Amatriciana
  • Roasted red pepper pesto mixed with pasta.
    Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Pasta
  • Mint pesto pasta in a bowl with mint leaves.
    Mint Pesto with Pasta and Ricotta Cream

Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 39 votes (28 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Steve says

    February 23, 2023 at 5:34 am

    I found it at ingles

    Reply
  2. Heidy says

    July 19, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    I love your pasta recipes, and this one has become a favorite---all those delicious flavors in one pasta! Thanks for sharing an awesome recipe! Happy Sunday/Monday!

    Reply
  3. Moop Brown says

    July 19, 2021 at 10:56 am

    This is definitely a recipe I need to try as it seems perfect for summer and incredibly authentic.

    Reply
  4. Kim @ Three Olives Branch says

    July 19, 2021 at 12:49 am

    Delicious! This reminds me of a pasta that means so much to me that I had at a restaurant in another state. I am so happy I can make this myself now.

    Reply
  5. Jagruti's Cooking Odyssey says

    July 18, 2021 at 9:07 pm

    Another delicious pasta recipe for me to try out very soon, love pasta and pesto, and pesto calabrese is so tempting!

    Reply
  6. Alex says

    July 18, 2021 at 8:31 pm

    I didn't know long squiggly fusilli was a thing! I need to look for that. Thanks for the brand tip. And then I can't wait to make this!

    Reply
  7. Erin says

    July 18, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    I love how you include the history! It's always interesting. And wow, this looks exquisite! Something we need to try soon.

    Reply
  8. Leslie says

    July 17, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    Another great pasta recipe! I'm loving this Pesto Calabrese recipe you have created. Nothing better than a homemade, pasta recipe!

    Reply
  9. Linnda says

    July 17, 2021 at 7:16 am

    Such beautiful pasta! Love every bite of this fusilli pasta as I am always eager to try a new recipe

    Reply
  10. Anaiah says

    July 15, 2021 at 2:07 am

    This fusilli pasta with pesto calabrese was soo flavorful and delicious! It was the perfect dinner to make for my family who came to visit.

    Reply
  11. Roy says

    July 14, 2021 at 11:07 am

    I can never have enough of pesto and its variations. In fact I was just searching for an authentic version to this, I clicked your blog and there it was!!! Thanks a bunch! Would love to see you do a post on the many variations of pesto someday.

    Reply
  12. Heather says

    July 13, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    I love all of the different ways you can serve this pesto! Thanks for the great suggestions 🙂 I'm always looking for creative ways to use the loads of pesto I have every summer and this sounds perfect.

    Reply

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Buon giorno and welcome to my pasta project! My name is Jacqui. I’m originally a Londoner but in 2003 life’s journey brought me to the beautiful Veneto region of Italy where…

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