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

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/creamy-tomato-ricotta-pasta-a-deliciously-easy-recipe-for-dinner-recipe/