Description
A comforting bowl of creamy pasta featuring vibrant crushed tomatoes and luscious ricotta, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add Creaminess: Reduce heat to low, add ricotta cheese and cream, stirring until smooth.
- Combine and Garnish: Toss drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if necessary. Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil, heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil.
Notes
For a lighter version, reduce cream or substitute with Greek yogurt. Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg