Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This creamy tomato ricotta pasta combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce and smooth ricotta cheese. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
2. Step 2: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
3. Step 3: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
4. Step 4: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside without rinsing.
5. Step 5: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
7. Step 7: Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Step 8: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
9. Step 9: Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese until fully incorporated.
10. Step 10: Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
11. Step 11: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the sauce.
12. Step 12: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
13. Step 13: Taste again and adjust seasoning if necessary.
14. Step 14: Plate the pasta into bowls.
15. Step 15: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan.
16. Step 16: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps loosen the sauce and improve texture.
• For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Substitute fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Add cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more nutrition.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as desired.

Storage

Let leftovers cool to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce thickens. To freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately before adding ricotta, up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll need to cook and crush them first. Canned crushed tomatoes provide a consistent texture and flavor, making them more convenient for this recipe.

Is ricotta cheese necessary in this dish?

Ricotta adds a creamy texture and mild flavor that balances the tomato sauce well, but you can substitute it with mascarpone or cream cheese for a similar effect.

Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 142 reviews

• Author: Cleo
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner recipe featuring perfectly cooked penne or fusilli pasta enveloped in a flavorful tomato sauce enriched with garlic, herbs, and creamy ricotta cheese. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious yet simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli)

Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses and Garnish

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Extra Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil using about 1 tablespoon of salt.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside for adjusting the sauce consistency.
4. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta using a colander but do not rinse it, so the sauce will adhere better.
5. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
6. Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic.
7. Season the Sauce: Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed to your preference.
9. Add Ricotta Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gently fold in the ricotta cheese until it melts and blends evenly into the tomato sauce, creating a creamy texture.
10. Add Pasta Water: Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce, achieving the desired creamy consistency.
11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy tomato ricotta sauce.
12. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce turns richer and creamier.
13. Taste Again: Check seasoning one last time and adjust with salt or pepper if necessary.
14. Serve: Plate the pasta into serving bowls.
15. Garnish: Top each serving with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
16. Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the creamy, comforting flavors of this simple dinner.
17. Store Leftovers: Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
18. Reheat: Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce.
19. Freezing: Freeze the sauce and pasta separately before adding ricotta for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Notes

• Do not rinse the pasta after draining to help sauce cling better.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
• Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps to thicken and emulsify the sauce for a creamier texture.
• Use fresh basil leaves for garnish to add a fresh herbaceous note.
• Ricotta cheese should be added off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Freezing is best done before adding ricotta to maintain texture upon reheating.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy tomato ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta, ricotta pasta sauce, penne pasta recipe, fusilli pasta recipe, comfort food, vegetarian pasta