Dreamy Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Pasta nights reach new heights with this creamy tomato ricotta concoction that promises pure comfort.

Smooth ricotta blends perfectly with vibrant tomato sauce, creating a luxurious texture.

Home chefs will adore how quickly this dish comes together.

The combination of simple ingredients delivers unexpected depth and richness.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a bright, aromatic touch.

Mediterranean influences shine through in every delectable bite.

You can craft this restaurant-worthy meal in less than thirty minutes.

Let this recipe become your new weeknight dinner hero.

What Makes Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta So Comforting

• Quick Weeknight Delight: Whip up this creamy tomato ricotta pasta in just 20 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort Food Perfection: The combination of rich ricotta, tangy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a soul-warming dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: Using simple pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, this recipe proves that you don't need complicated techniques to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for vegetarians, kid-friendly, and elegant enough to serve at a casual dinner party, this pasta dish works for virtually any occasion.

What To Gather For Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Pasta: Soft, hearty foundation for the creamy tomato sauce.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing pasta flavor during cooking.

• Olive Oil: Rich base for building sauce flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic element that adds depth to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Primary sauce component with bright, tangy profile.
• Black Pepper: Warm, subtle spice for balanced seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and slight kick.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend for traditional Mediterranean taste.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, tangy elements that create smooth, rich sauce texture.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb for final aromatic touch and color.

Easy Instructions For Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Slide the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Scoop out a splash of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will be your secret weapon later.

Step 2: Craft Vibrant Tomato Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Let the sauce simmer and bubble, stirring occasionally to develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Goodness

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and luxurious. If it seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create the perfect silky consistency.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Tumble the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing until every strand is coated in the luscious sauce. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and an extra shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and watch faces light up with pure culinary joy!

Tips For A Smoother Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Save a splash of pasta water before draining to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Reduce heat to low when adding ricotta and Parmesan to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from a gentle warmth to a spicy kick.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Chop fresh basil just before adding to preserve its vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities.
• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want a delicious meal fast.

Storage Tips For Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta That Last

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the pasta to a sealed glass or plastic container, ensuring it's tightly closed to maintain freshness.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pasta texture rubbery and unappetizing.
• Ricotta-based sauces tend to separate when reheated, so stir frequently and watch carefully.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, but note that the creamy texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• When ready to eat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly to preserve the sauce's smooth consistency.

Perfect Pairings With Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Perfectly Complement Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: Pair this delightful pasta with a crisp, unoaked Pinot Grigio that cuts through the richness and matches the tomato's brightness.
• Elevate with Fresh Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta's heaviness and add a zesty, peppery contrast.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread alongside the dish to soak up the luscious tomato ricotta sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Wine and Herb Harmony: Choose a chilled rosé wine with herbal undertones that will complement the fresh basil and Italian seasoning in the pasta, creating a refreshing flavor profile.

Creative Swaps For Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Spicy Arrabbiata Fusion: Increase red pepper flakes for a fiery kick, and add pancetta or chorizo for depth. Swap basil with fresh oregano to enhance the bold flavors.
• Mediterranean Veggie Blend: Incorporate roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers directly into the sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in cooked shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp to transform the pasta into a complete meal. Consider adding spinach for extra nutrients and color.
• Herb Garden Remix: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Include a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for an intense, concentrated tomato flavor.

FAQs About Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• What makes this tomato ricotta pasta different from other pasta recipes?

This recipe stands out because of its creamy ricotta base, which creates a luxurious texture and adds a rich, smooth flavor that’s lighter than traditional cream sauces. The combination of crushed tomatoes and ricotta creates a unique, velvety sauce that’s both tangy and creamy.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

While crushed tomatoes provide the best consistency and depth of flavor, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just blanch, peel, and crush them yourself. However, canned crushed tomatoes will give you a more consistent and quick sauce with deeper tomato flavor.

• Is this pasta dish spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing or completely omitting the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder sauce. The amount suggested creates a gentle warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.

• How important is fresh basil in this recipe?

Fresh basil is not just a garnish but adds a bright, herbal note that complements the rich, creamy sauce. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried Italian seasoning or skip it, but fresh basil truly elevates the overall taste of the dish.

Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy tomato ricotta pasta, where silky ricotta blends with tangy tomato sauce. Rich Italian flavors dance together, creating a simple yet luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
• 1 (14 ounces/397 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling pasta)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency, periodically testing for doneness. Extract a small portion of starchy liquid before draining the noodles completely.
2. Select a wide skillet and warm olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce minced garlic and swirl rapidly to release its aromatic essence without browning. Pour crushed tomatoes into the pan, seasoning with salt, cracked pepper, fiery red pepper flakes, and herbaceous Italian seasoning.
3. Allow the tomato mixture to gently simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent scorching. The sauce will gradually thicken and develop deeper flavors, roughly 5 minutes. Lower the flame to its minimum setting.
4. Fold creamy ricotta and nutty Parmesan into the simmering sauce, whisking until the texture becomes uniformly smooth. If the consistency appears too dense, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, luxurious finish.
5. Transfer the perfectly cooked pasta directly into the sauce, gently tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the vibrant, velvety mixture. Scatter freshly torn basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan across the top before serving.

Notes

• Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes for a more vibrant and authentic sauce flavor.
• Reserve pasta water generously to control sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne to catch more sauce in their ridges.
• For a lighter version, swap whole milk ricotta with low-fat ricotta or Greek yogurt to reduce calories without compromising texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg