Tomato Ricotta Pasta

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
Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Tomato Ricotta Pasta

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

NutritionAmounts
Calories450 kcal
Carbohydrates55g
Protein15g
Fat18g
Cholesterol40mg
Sodium250mg

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

Tomato Ricotta Pasta

Tomato Ricotta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines the rich creaminess of ricotta cheese with the tangy sweetness of fresh tomatoes. The pasta is typically tossed in a light tomato sauce made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, then mixed with dollops of ricotta, which adds a velvety texture and mild flavour.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

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

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.
Keyword Good Dinner, Tomato Ricotta Pasta

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.
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