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
Scale
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.
