Hello, pasta lovers! Get ready to discover a weeknight wonder that's both supremely comforting and surprisingly simple to prepare. This Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta brings together the rich, velvety texture of ricotta cheese with the bright, tangy notes of a classic tomato sauce, creating a dish that feels like a gourmet experience without the fuss.
There's something truly magical about a well-made pasta dish. It's the ultimate comfort food, versatile enough for a quick family dinner or a delightful meal for guests. This recipe shines by relying on fresh, quality ingredients that harmonize to create an unforgettable flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Pasta Will Be Your New Go-To
This isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary triumph born from simplicity and fantastic flavor:
- Quick & Easy: On the table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Rich & Satisfying: The blend of ricotta and Parmesan creates an incredibly smooth and decadent sauce.
- Adaptable: Easily customize with extra vegetables or your preferred protein.
- Vegetarian Friendly: A delicious meatless meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
Prepare to fall in love with a pasta that delivers on both flavor and convenience, proving that the best meals don't always require hours in the kitchen.
Gather Your Ingredients for Creamy Bliss
To create this delectable pasta, you'll need just a handful of fresh components. High-quality ricotta cheese is key to achieving that signature creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh roasted tomatoes)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or fresh basil and oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection
Step 1: Boil Your Pasta
In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – it's crucial for achieving a smooth, well-emulsified sauce later!
Step 2: Create the Aromatic Tomato Base
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Step 3: Fold in the Ricotta and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese until it's completely melted and incorporated, creating a silky sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried Italian herbs. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Season to Taste
Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the creamy tomato ricotta sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust as needed to enhance the flavors!
Step 5: Serve Fresh and Garnish
Serve your Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation and added freshness. Enjoy this delightful dish!
Tips, Tricks, and Flavor Variations
Make it your own with these simple enhancements:
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic can introduce a lovely warmth.
- Add Protein: Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some cannellini beans can make this an even more filling meal. For another fantastic chicken and pasta combo, check out our recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
- Herb Boost: Fresh oregano or a mix of Italian herbs can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Incorporate finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an intensified tomato flavor, similar to our Spaghetti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce and Spinach.
Storage and Reheating Advice
This pasta is truly at its best when served fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to restore the sauce's creamy texture.
Concluding Thoughts: A New Favorite Awaits!
This Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to enjoy simple, delicious comfort. Its ease of preparation and rich flavor make it an instant classic for any home cook. We hope this dish brings a little extra joy and warmth to your table.
Don't hesitate to share your experiences and any creative adaptations in the comments below! Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for canned in this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! If fresh tomatoes are in season, using about 2 cups of chopped, ripe, roasted tomatoes will add a wonderful brightness. Simply follow the cooking instructions for the diced tomatoes.
What type of pasta holds this creamy sauce best?
Shorter pasta shapes with nooks and crannies like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they perfectly capture the rich, creamy sauce. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta u2013 even long strands like spaghetti work wonderfully!
How should I store and reheat leftover Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to bring the sauce back to its smooth, creamy consistency.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This pasta is incredibly versatile. Sautu00e9ed chicken, shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage would be delicious additions. For extra veggies, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the tomatoes.
Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy creamy tomato ricotta pasta dish that's perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (or 2 cups fresh roasted tomatoes)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it's fragrant but not browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to low. Add the creamy ricotta cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until it's fully incorporated and the sauce is lusciously smooth. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the dried Italian herbs. If your sauce seems a bit too thick, gradually add some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Step 4: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with your dreamy tomato ricotta sauce. Toss everything together until every strand of pasta is evenly coated in the rich, vibrant sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve your Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta immediately while hot. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy every satisfying bite!
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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