Tomato Ricotta Pasta: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Tomato Ricotta Pasta: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more! Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes and the delicate sweetness of ricotta cheese. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of Tomato Ricotta Pasta are debated, its roots are firmly planted in the heart of Italian-American cuisine. It’s a dish that speaks of resourcefulness and the ability to create something truly extraordinary from simple, readily available ingredients. Think of it as a comforting hug in a bowl, a testament to the power of simple, fresh flavors.

What makes this dish so universally loved? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The slight acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the ricotta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, ensuring every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. And let’s not forget the convenience! This Tomato Ricotta Pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying culinary escape.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, but adds great depth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• Optional: 1/4 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)

Preparing the Tomato Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of this dish – the tomato sauce! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. We’re going to build layers of flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

1. Sauté the Garlic: First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour in the olive oil and set it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (but not smoking!), add the minced garlic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter. You want to sauté it for about 30 seconds to a minute, until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. If you’re using red pepper flakes, toss them in with the garlic for a little extra kick.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If you’re using red wine (and I highly recommend it!), pour it into the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly. This will help mellow out the alcohol and concentrate the flavors.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and sugar. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, but it’s harder to take it away.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if you have the time. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. I often let mine simmer for an hour or two for maximum flavor!
6. Adjust Consistency (Optional): If the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, add a little bit of water or pasta water to thin it out.

Cooking the Pasta:

While the sauce is simmering away, let’s get the pasta cooking. This is pretty straightforward, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.

1. Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with plenty of water. Seriously, don’t skimp on the water – you want the pasta to have enough room to move around. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, and it refers to pasta that is firm but not hard. You want it to have a slight bite to it.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! It will help to thicken the sauce and create a creamy emulsion.
4. Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander. Don’t rinse it unless you’re making a cold pasta salad.

Combining the Sauce and Pasta:

Now for the best part – bringing everything together! This is where the magic really happens, and you’ll start to see (and smell!) the deliciousness coming to life.

1. Add Pasta to Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pot of tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. Add Ricotta and Parmesan: Dollop the ricotta cheese over the pasta. Don’t stir it in completely – you want to have little pockets of creamy ricotta throughout the dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
3. Add Pasta Water (If Needed): If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Toss everything together gently until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
4. Add Heavy Cream (Optional): If you want an extra rich and decadent sauce, stir in the heavy cream. This will make the sauce incredibly creamy and luxurious.
5. Stir in Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. The basil will add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to taste.

Serving:

Time to serve up this masterpiece! This pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy.
2. Garnish: Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
3. Enjoy! Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade Tomato Ricotta Pasta!

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few ideas:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some chopped onions, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Add Meat: Brown some ground beef, Italian sausage, or chicken before adding the garlic for a heartier meal.
• Use Different Cheese: Try using mozzarella, provolone, or fontina cheese instead of or in addition to Parmesan cheese.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of wine to deglaze the pot.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan ricotta cheese and omit the Parmesan cheese. You can also add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezing:

This pasta can also be frozen for longer storage. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a family favorite that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Tomato Ricotta Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a vibrant celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create something truly special. The creamy ricotta perfectly complements the bright acidity of the tomatoes, resulting in a balanced and utterly satisfying meal. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight dinner. It’s the kind of dish that will become a staple in your repertoire, one you’ll turn to again and again when you crave comfort food with a touch of elegance.

But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta – penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle would work beautifully. For a richer flavor, consider using roasted tomatoes instead of canned. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Looking for serving suggestions? A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect accompaniment. Or, for a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a drizzle of high-quality olive oil elevates the dish to another level.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a vegetarian twist, incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. A dollop of pesto on top adds a burst of herbaceous flavor. You could even stir in some wilted spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve made this Tomato Ricotta Pasta countless times, and each time it’s a hit. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even a romantic night in. It’s also incredibly easy to scale up or down, depending on how many people you’re serving.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need complicated ingredients or fancy techniques to create a truly memorable meal. Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments below! Let’s create a community of pasta lovers who appreciate the simple joys of good food. I can’t wait to see what you create with this recipe. Happy cooking!