If you’re craving a comforting yet fresh pasta dish that combines creamy richness with bright, tangy flavors, this Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s incredibly simple to make but packs a punch with every bite—think perfectly al dente pasta enveloped in a luscious tomato and ricotta sauce, kissed with garlic and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something fast but still feels special enough to share with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a sauce that’s creamy, flavorful, and vibrant. Each component plays a specific role, whether it’s building depth or balancing textures and colors.
- 12 oz pasta of your choice: Choose your favorite shape like spaghetti or penne to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Offers the bright acidity and juiciness that forms the base of the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a gentle kick to elevate the overall flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth with a mild tang.
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and a nutty finish to the sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves, torn: Offers a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color for garnish.
How to Make Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Be sure to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just for about a minute until you can smell its fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and let them cook gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This step softens the tomatoes and helps release their natural juices, forming the flavorful sauce base. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking since these simple additions awaken all the flavors in the sauce.
Step 5: Incorporate Ricotta Cheese
Lower the heat and carefully fold the creamy ricotta cheese into the tomato mixture. Stir continuously until you get a silky, smooth sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up—it should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together so every strand or shape is generously covered in that dreamy sauce. The pasta water can be your best friend here if you want to make it even more luscious.
Step 7: Finish with Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This step melts the cheese into the sauce, deepening the flavor and adding a lovely richness that makes eating this dish so satisfying.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, plate your pasta and top it with torn fresh basil leaves. Their bright green color and aromatic freshness provide the perfect contrast to the creamy sauce, turning every bite into a little celebration.
How to Serve Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh torn basil leaves are the star garnish here, but you can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or drizzle a bit of good quality olive oil for shine. A few toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes fresh on top can add appealing texture and an extra flavor pop.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with something crisp and light like a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is always a crowd-pleaser for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fuss-free dinner party, serve this Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe family-style in a large serving bowl topped with basil and Parmesan, inviting everyone to dig in. Or try plating individual servings in shallow bowls with a quick drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or creamy texture.
Freezing
While this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze portions if necessary. Use freezer-safe containers and leave room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve the sauce’s texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the ricotta sauce from separating or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have ripe fresh tomatoes, chop and drain them slightly before cooking; they’ll give the sauce a lovely, fresh taste. Just allow a bit more cooking time for them to soften.
What type of ricotta cheese works best?
Whole-milk ricotta adds the best creamy texture and flavor. Avoid low-fat versions as they can be watery and less rich, which might alter the sauce’s consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go without any compromise on taste or texture.
Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?
Definitely! Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would make a wonderful addition, turning this simple pasta into a heartier meal.
How spicy is this pasta?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle heat that can be adjusted or omitted based on your preference. It’s designed to complement the creamy and savory notes rather than overpower them.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe truly feels like a warm hug from a bowl—comforting, bright, easy, and satisfying all at once. It’s a dish that’s quick enough for busy nights but elegant enough to impress. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try and making it your own classic go-to for anytime you want that perfect balance of creamy and fresh in a pasta meal. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta combines the bright flavors of diced tomatoes and fresh garlic with smooth ricotta cheese and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, this pasta dish is easy to prepare and elevates simple ingredients into a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., spaghetti, penne)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the drained diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release some juice.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Add Ricotta: Reduce heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, mixing thoroughly until the sauce is creamy. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat it evenly with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully blended.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and top with fresh torn basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor integration.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness according to preference.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
