Description
A comforting dish featuring creamy ricotta and tangy crushed tomatoes, combined to create a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as penne, spaghetti, or your favorite variety)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
- Create the Creamy Ricotta Mixture: Combine ricotta cheese and heavy cream in a bowl and stir until smooth.
- Combine Everything: Stir the ricotta mixture into the tomato sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until well-coated, and add the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan before serving hot.
Notes
Using fresh ingredients and adjusting seasonings can elevate the dish. Consider adding vegetables for additional nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg