If you’re craving something rich, comforting, and easy to whip up on a busy night, this Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: An Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines perfectly cooked pasta with a luscious tomato sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and the dreamy creaminess of ricotta cheese. This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making it a staple that feels special yet comes together without any fuss. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or just looking for a quick dinner fix that will satisfy everyone at the table, this recipe is a keeper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the freshness of garlic to the tangy richness of ricotta. Simple yet thoughtfully chosen, these essentials come together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this pasta irresistibly good.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli): Perfect shapes that hold onto the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky base while sautéing the garlic and elevates the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch, deepening the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing vibrant color and natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a warm, slightly peppery herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a subtle, sweet aroma to balance the acidity.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who like a little kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor element.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates that luscious creaminess that makes this dish stand out.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty dimension.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness and a beautiful pop of green.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: An Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Salt is your best friend here — it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add your choice of penne or fusilli and cook until just al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water. This magic ingredient will help your sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.
Step 2: Build a Flavorful Tomato Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté gently until it releases its wonderful aroma, about a minute or two—don’t let it brown. Then, pour in your crushed tomatoes and stir everything together. Sprinkle in dried oregano, basil, and if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, some red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Stir in the Ricotta for that Creamy Touch
Lower the heat to keep things creamy and luscious. Dollop in the ricotta cheese and stir it in gently until the sauce turns velvety smooth. Now’s the time to add a splash of that reserved pasta water a little at a time, which loosens the sauce just enough, making sure it perfectly coats every twist and tube of pasta.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese
Return the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together carefully, making sure each piece gets a generous coating of the creamy tomato sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce and creates that signature cheesy richness that dreams are made of. Give it a final taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out the creamy tomato ricotta pasta into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous grating of extra Parmesan. Now grab a fork, and dive into this glorious, comforting meal you made with so little effort but so much flavor!
How to Serve Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: An Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are not just decorative—they bring a burst of freshness that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds a salty finish that heightens every bite. For a little crunch, consider chopping some toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also make delightful accompaniments, perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini add a roasted depth and extra color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta straight from the skillet family-style to bring a cozy, communal vibe to your table. For a dinner party, plate individual servings in shallow bowls, topping each with vibrant basil and Parmesan curls. Adding a small drizzle of chili oil can also give each plate a subtle flair if you crave a touch of heat and visual contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your creamy tomato ricotta pasta, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the pasta will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an excellent next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
To freeze, separate the pasta and the sauce before adding ricotta—ricotta’s texture doesn’t always survive freezing well. Freeze them in separate airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then combine and gently reheat, stirring in fresh ricotta if desired for that creamy freshness.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover creamy tomato ricotta pasta in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the sauce’s silky texture. Add a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce seems thickened. Stir frequently until warmed through, then serve with a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan and basil to revive those original flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Absolutely! Fresh tomatoes can add a bright, vibrant flavor, but you’ll want to cook them down longer to achieve that thick, saucy texture. Choose ripe Roma or plum tomatoes, chop finely, and simmer patiently until they break down into a rich sauce.
Is ricotta cheese necessary for this recipe?
Ricotta is what makes this dish creamy and indulgent. Without it, the sauce would be a simple tomato sauce. If you can’t find ricotta, mascarpone or even cream cheese can work as substitutes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While penne and fusilli are excellent at holding the sauce, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand such as rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is the red pepper flakes’ addition?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat, making the dish pleasantly lively. You can omit them completely if you prefer no spice or adjust to taste for more kick.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To veganize this recipe, use a plant-based ricotta substitute and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan-style cheese instead of dairy Parmesan. Use olive oil and make sure the pasta is egg-free. The result will still be creamy and flavorful without the dairy.
Final Thoughts
Ready to embrace a new weeknight favorite? This Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: An Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe delivers all the comfort, flavor, and ease you want after a long day. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl and can bring everyone to the table with smiles. So gather your ingredients, take your time enjoying the cooking process, and treat yourself to something truly special tonight. You’ll wonder how you ever made dinner without it!
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Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: An Easy and Delicious Weeknight Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy tomato ricotta pasta, featuring perfectly cooked penne or fusilli enveloped in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, enhanced with herbs and smooth ricotta cheese. This easy-to-make dish delivers comforting flavors ideal for a weeknight dinner and can be garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, using about 1 tablespoon of salt to flavor the water for the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set it aside for later use in the sauce.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta using a colander but do not rinse it, preserving the surface starch for better sauce adherence. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well to combine with the garlic and olive oil.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Taste and Adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for balanced flavor.
- Add Ricotta Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese until it is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy texture.
- Add Pasta Water: Gradually drizzle in the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency, making it smooth and silky.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, enhancing creaminess and flavor.
- Taste Again: Give the pasta one final taste and adjust seasoning if necessary for a perfect balance.
- Serve: Plate the pasta into serving bowls or plates.
- Garnish: Top each serving with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this creamy tomato ricotta pasta.
- Cool Down Leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Store Leftovers: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Reheat: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezing Instructions: If freezing, store sauce and pasta separately before adding ricotta cheese. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help thin the sauce and add a silky texture when mixing with ricotta.
- Use penne or fusilli pasta for better sauce adherence; other similar shapes also work well.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level or omit for a mild dish.
- Fresh basil added at the end boosts aroma and freshness.
- Do not rinse pasta after cooking to keep the natural starches that help the sauce cling better.
- Reheat gently on stovetop to avoid curdling the ricotta cheese.
- Freezing pasta with ricotta is not recommended as texture can change; freeze separately without ricotta.
