I have always loved pasta dishes that combine simplicity with rich flavors. That’s why I’m excited to share my Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta recipe with you. It’s one of those meals that feels comforting yet fresh, perfect for any day of the week. Whenever I make this dish, it reminds me of cozy dinners with family and friends, where everyone gathers around the table to enjoy good food and great company.
You will love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and tangy. The smooth ricotta cheese adds a luscious texture, while the tomato sauce brings a bright, vibrant flavor that awakens your taste buds. What makes this pasta especially appealing is its versatility—it can be served as a quick weeknight dinner or dressed up for a special occasion.
Another great thing about this dish is how affordable it is. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store, making it an accessible option for anyone. Plus, it’s quick to prepare without sacrificing taste, so you can enjoy a homemade meal even on your busiest days.
The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and wholesome:
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Pasta (penne or rigatoni work beautifully)
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Fresh tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes
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Ricotta cheese
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Garlic
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Olive oil
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Fresh basil or dried Italian herbs
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Salt and pepper
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Optional: chili flakes for a subtle kick
With these basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious pasta dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite light. The ricotta cheese provides a creamy consistency without being heavy, and the fresh tomato sauce complements it perfectly. This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves pasta but wants to keep things fresh and simple.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Making Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta is straightforward, yet it delivers restaurant-quality results. It’s a dish that’s both quick and satisfying, allowing you to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The preparation process focuses on bringing out the natural sweetness of tomatoes and blending them with creamy ricotta for a balanced, flavorful sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then add your pasta of choice. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water before draining, as it will help loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Base
While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and let it warm for a minute. Mince the garlic and add it to the skillet, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid browning the garlic to prevent bitterness.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
If using fresh tomatoes, chop them into small pieces. If using canned crushed tomatoes, simply pour them in. Add the tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like some heat. Stir well, then reduce the heat slightly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors deepen and the tomatoes break down into a rich base.
Step 4: Blend in the Ricotta
Lower the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese to the tomato sauce. Stir gently until the ricotta melts into the tomatoes, creating a smooth, creamy texture. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece evenly. If necessary, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs
Chop fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. Stir gently to incorporate the herbs without overcooking them, so they retain their fresh aroma.
Quick and Easy
This recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. The cooking steps are simple and require minimal equipment, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Customizable
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Swap fresh basil for dried Italian seasoning, use whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber, or add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.
Popular with Many People
Pasta lovers appreciate how creamy yet light this dish is. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an excellent choice for family meals or casual get-togethers.
PrintCreamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta
This Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta combines the fresh tang of tomatoes with the velvety richness of ricotta cheese. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and adaptable for any occasion. The smooth sauce clings to every bite of pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped (or 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
- Add chopped fresh tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) to the skillet. Stir in salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
- Lower heat slightly and let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until tomatoes soften and flavors blend.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta cheese until fully combined, forming a creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Transfer drained pasta into the skillet. Toss well so each piece is coated with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or dried seasoning. Stir gently to combine, keeping the herbs fresh and aromatic.
- Serve hot, with extra basil as garnish if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat ricotta cheese and whole-wheat pasta.
You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
This recipe is adaptable to gluten-free pasta varieties.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to restore its creamy texture before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Can I freeze the sauce?
You can freeze the tomato-ricotta sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stove, stirring to blend it back together.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta with ridges work well, as they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I use low-fat ricotta cheese?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich. You can balance it by adding a small splash of cream or milk for extra smoothness.
How can I make this spicier?
Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce while it simmers.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great accompaniments to this dish.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use your preferred gluten-free pasta variety and follow the same preparation steps.