Description
A delightful creamy tomato ricotta pasta that balances rich flavors and a comforting texture, perfect for cozy dinners or fancy gatherings.
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 to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese and heavy cream to the tomato sauce. Stir well until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat with the sauce. If too thick, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil.
Notes
For a lighter version, adjust the amounts of ricotta and cream. Use high-quality tomatoes for improved flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg