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

Introduction

Enjoy a comforting and creamy tomato ricotta pasta that’s simple to make yet full of rich, delicious flavors. This dish combines al dente pasta with a savory tomato sauce, garlic, herbs, and smooth ricotta for an easy weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of 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, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring 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 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 drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat.
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 cheese.
16. Step 16: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a different creamy texture.
• Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste.

Storage

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store 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 too much. You can freeze the sauce and cooked pasta separately (before adding ricotta) for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, penne or fusilli work best as they hold the sauce well, but you can substitute with other shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or spaghetti if preferred.

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce gradually. The starch in the pasta water helps create a smooth, creamy consistency without watering down the flavor.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 76 reviews

This creamy tomato ricotta pasta recipe features perfectly cooked penne or fusilli pasta tossed in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce enhanced with garlic, herbs, and a luscious blend of ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. It’s an easy, comforting meal ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies every craving for creamy Italian flavors.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

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

Cheese and Garnish

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

Instructions

1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, using about 1 tablespoon of salt to ensure the pasta is properly seasoned.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. This starchy water will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
4. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside without rinsing, so the sauce can cling better to the noodles.
5. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with its aroma.
6. Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir to combine evenly with the garlic and oil.
7. Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
8. Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed to ensure a balanced, flavorful base.
9. Add Ricotta Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the ricotta cheese until fully incorporated, creating a luxuriously creamy sauce.
10. Add Pasta Water: Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve your desired sauce consistency—smooth and slightly loose enough to coat the pasta well.
11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy tomato mixture.
12. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, enhancing creaminess and flavor.
13. Taste Again: Give the pasta one last taste and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if necessary for perfect seasoning.
14. Serve: Plate the pasta into serving bowls for a comforting presentation.
15. Garnish: Top each serving with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese to add color and an herby, cheesy finish.
16. Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor the harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.
17. Cool Down Leftovers: Allow any leftover pasta to cool to room temperature before storing to maintain texture and flavor.
18. Store in Containers: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep fresh.
19. Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen the sauce.
20. Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the sauce and pasta separately before adding ricotta. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water before draining to help adjust the creaminess of your sauce.
• Do not rinse pasta after cooking; the starch helps the sauce adhere better.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
• Use fresh basil leaves at the end for a vibrant, fresh flavor and garnish.
• Freeze pasta and sauce separately without ricotta, as ricotta freezes poorly and can separate.
• Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cheese or drying out the pasta.

Keywords: Creamy tomato ricotta pasta, Easy Italian pasta recipe, Tomato ricotta sauce, Weeknight dinner pasta, Penne pasta recipe, Fusilli pasta recipe