When it comes to quick, delicious, and satisfying meals, my Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe is a go-to option.
This dish perfectly balances the sweet acidity of cherry tomatoes with the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese, all tied together with your favourite pasta.
It’s a comforting meal that feels gourmet without requiring hours in the kitchen.
How To Make Tomato Ricotta Pasta?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Yields: Approximately 4
Equipment Needed
To create this creamy and flavorful dish, I use
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cup
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
Here’s what I need to make this delicious recipe
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (500g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 onions, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta cooking water (reserved)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Step-1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup (60ml) of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step-2. Prepare the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Step-3. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step-4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Step-5. Mix and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy tomato ricotta sauce. Allow the flavours to meld for an additional 2 minutes.
Step-6. Garnish and Enjoy
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts Of Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Protein | 15g |
Fat | 18g |
Cholesterol | 40mg |
Sodium | 250mg |
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for this recipe
Side Salad: Pair the pasta with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the ricotta.
Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato sauce.
Grated Parmesan: Offer some grated Parmesan on the side for those who want an extra cheesy kick.
Grilled Vegetables: Complement the dish with grilled zucchini or asparagus for a well-rounded meal.
Tips and Variations
Add Protein: If I’m in the mood for a heartier meal, I sometimes add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled Italian sausage to the sauce.
Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but for a vegan twist, I substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese.
Extra Veggies: To boost the nutrition, I might toss in some baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini along with the tomatoes.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a dash of crushed red pepper or even a finely chopped chili pepper can add a nice kick.
Special Note
For a creamier sauce, use full-fat ricotta. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can opt for low-fat ricotta, but be mindful that it might alter the creaminess of the sauce.
FAQS
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I can prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to serve, I reheat the sauce, cook the pasta fresh, and combine them before serving.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the tomato ricotta sauce can be frozen. I let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to three months. To use, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it gently on the stove.
What’s the best pasta type for this recipe?
I prefer short pasta like penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine also works beautifully.
Can I use other types of cheese?
If ricotta isn’t available, you can substitute with cottage cheese for a similar texture, or go for mascarpone for an extra creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting bowl of creamy goodness that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether I’m cooking for myself on a busy weeknight or preparing a dish for friends, this pasta never disappoints.
With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, I can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to become a favourite in my recipe rotation. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!
Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cup
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 12 oz 340g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 cup 250g ricotta cheese
- 2 cups 500g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 onions chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup 60ml pasta cooking water (reserved)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup (60ml) of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy tomato ricotta sauce. Allow the flavors to meld for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.