Imagine twirling a forkful of tender pasta coated in a dreamy, velvety sauce—one that balances tangy tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese perfectly. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner. This Italian-inspired dish brings together pantry staples in a way that creates comfort in every bite, making it a quick yet impressive favorite that works beautifully for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner in. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that you’ll want to make again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of classic ingredients, you can create vibrant color, inviting aromas, and the ultimate creamy texture in every mouthful. Each component plays a key role, so pick up the best you can find for something truly special!
- Pasta (8 oz penne, rigatoni, or your choice): Go with your favorite shape—the nooks and ridges are perfect for grabbing onto that luscious sauce.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): This adds depth and a subtle, fragrant base to the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Don’t skip it; those few seconds in the pan make the sauce irresistibly aromatic.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14–15 oz): Use good-quality canned tomatoes for rich flavor and a vibrant sauce.
- Salt (½ tsp): Essential for letting the bright tomato and creamy cheese flavors shine.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): A hint of kick rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Dried basil or Italian seasoning (½ tsp): These classic herbs bring unmistakable Italian flair—choose your favorite blend.
- Ricotta cheese (½ cup): The secret to creaminess, it melts seamlessly into the sauce for a dreamy finish.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (¼ cup): Just enough to add nutty, savory notes and extra body to the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water (¼ cup): This silky liquid ensures your sauce clings perfectly and never feels heavy.
- Chopped fresh basil (optional garnish): For a fresh, vibrant pop of color, finish with a shower of basil right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook until just al dente—tender with a tiny bite—which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain, scoop out a quarter cup of the pasta water and set it aside. This step is your ticket to a silky sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, drizzle olive oil into a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and give it a quick stir for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant. Keep an eye out—garlic cooks fast and you want it golden, not burnt.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and dried basil (or Italian seasoning). Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 5 to 7 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and deepens the flavors, making your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses
Lower the heat and add both the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet. Stir until everything comes together in a smooth, creamy sauce. The ricotta brings an irresistibly luscious texture, while the Parmesan adds that irresistible savory kick.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat. Pour in the reserved pasta water bit by bit as needed, stirring until the sauce hugs every piece of pasta. The result should be creamy, glossy, and utterly inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped basil scattered over the top gives the finished dish a lively color and fresh aroma. If you’re all about cheesiness, finish with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or a loaf of warm, crusty bread perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a heartier meal, try quick sautéed greens or an antipasto platter on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this dish family-style in a big bowl, or plate it up individually with a pretty basil sprig. For a little dramatic flair, use a wide, shallow bowl so each serving shows off the sauce and garnishes. Add colorful cherry tomatoes or roasted veggies if you want a playful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay deliciously fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Though the sauce is ultra-creamy, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce seems a bit thick. Stir well to restore that creamy consistency that makes this dish so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
If ricotta isn’t on hand, try cottage cheese for mild creaminess or mascarpone for an even richer twist! Just know that ricotta gives the most classic result in this Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite vegan ricotta and Parmesan alternatives, and use a plant-based pasta. The results are still creamy and full of flavor.
What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?
Penne and rigatoni are top choices because their ridges grab onto the sauce, but just about any shape will work. Linguine or fusilli are also fun and delicious in this Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even some white beans for extra heartiness. The mild, creamy sauce works especially well with just about any protein you love.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe has just a hint of warmth from black pepper, but it isn’t spicy. If you like some heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic or serve with chili oil at the table.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for something comforting, colorful, and effortlessly impressive, it’s time to make Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner. Grab your favorite pasta shape, open a can of tomatoes, and get ready to taste something truly special tonight!
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Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this tomato ricotta pasta that’s both flavorful and easy to make. A perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14-15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Finish the Dish: Reduce heat, add ricotta and Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Toss in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Using both ricotta and Parmesan cheeses creates a balance of creaminess and flavor.
- Reserved pasta water helps achieve a silky sauce consistency without thinning it too much.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
