In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm, creamy embrace of Tomato Ricotta Pasta. Imagine twirling your fork around steaming strands of pasta, each bite bursting with the tangy sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the luscious creaminess of ricotta cheese. It’s like a hug from your favorite grandma, right when you need it most.
Now picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’ve just returned home after a long day. The aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil wafts through your kitchen as you prepare to whip up this delightful dish. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or an impromptu gathering with friends, Tomato Ricotta Pasta brings everyone together, making it the star of your dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Tomato Ricotta Pasta is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights
- The combination of fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta creates a flavor explosion that will impress anyone
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this dish will leave your guests raving about your cooking skills
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt for any occasion – add veggies or proteins to suit your taste!
Ingredients for Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: Use your favorite type; spaghetti or penne works wonderfully for capturing the sauce.
Fresh Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes are essential; they provide the sweet base for this dish.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness and depth; opt for whole milk ricotta for a luxurious texture.
Fresh Basil: Aromatic basil elevates the dish with its fragrant notes; use fresh leaves whenever possible.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves infuse the sauce with a savory punch; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor while providing richness; use quality oil for best results.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all those delicious flavors; adjust according to taste.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping the fresh tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely so they can release their flavor beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Cook Your Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and add minced garlic once hot. Stir constantly until fragrant (about one minute) – be careful not to burn it!
Step 4: Add Tomatoes
Toss in the chopped tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook them down for about five minutes until they begin to break apart and release their juices.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with tomatoes. Pour in some reserved pasta water along with dollops of ricotta cheese. Toss everything together gently until well combined.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer portions onto plates or bowls and top with fresh basil leaves for garnish. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for that finishing touch.
And there you have it! Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every creamy bite as Tomato Ricotta Pasta warms both your belly and heart!
You Must Know
- This delightful Tomato Ricotta Pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- With fresh ingredients and a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion
- Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe will leave you craving more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfection, start by boiling your pasta first while you prepare the sauce. Sauté garlic in olive oil before adding ripe tomatoes and creamy ricotta. Combine everything together for a delightful pasta dish that sings with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Tomato Ricotta Pasta! Swap out the ricotta for goat cheese, toss in some spinach or zucchini, or sprinkle with fresh basil. The possibilities are endless, and your taste buds will thank you!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Tomato Ricotta Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh tomatoes for maximum flavor; canned can be handy but lack that garden-fresh taste
- Always salt your pasta water; it enhances flavor from the start
- Don’t overcook your pasta; al dente is key for texture
It was during one of those cozy family dinners when my cousin declared this Tomato Ricotta Pasta as the “best thing since sliced bread.” A compliment that made me feel like a culinary rockstar!
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need for Tomato Ricotta Pasta?
To make this delicious Tomato Ricotta Pasta, gather fresh tomatoes, ricotta cheese, garlic, olive oil, and Italian herbs like basil and oregano. You will also need your choice of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand to season the dish properly. Fresh ingredients elevate the flavor, so choose ripe tomatoes and high-quality ricotta for the best results.
How long does it take to prepare Tomato Ricotta Pasta?
Preparing Tomato Ricotta Pasta is a quick and easy process. It typically takes about 10 minutes to prep your ingredients and another 15-20 minutes to cook the pasta and sauce. Overall, you can enjoy this delightful dish in just 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute dinner plan.
Can I customize my Tomato Ricotta Pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Tomato Ricotta Pasta is versatile, allowing you to personalize it according to your preferences. You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you enjoy protein, consider including grilled chicken or shrimp. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to create your unique twist on this classic dish.
Is Tomato Ricotta Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Tomato Ricotta Pasta is an excellent option for meal prep! You can prepare a larger batch and store individual servings in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The flavors may even enhance after sitting in the fridge overnight. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving for the best taste.
Conclusion for Tomato Ricotta Pasta :
Tomato Ricotta Pasta is a flavorful and simple dish that anyone can master. With fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and creamy ricotta cheese, it delivers a delightful combination of taste and texture. The recipe is adaptable, allowing you to include various vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Plus, its quick preparation time makes it ideal for busy days or spontaneous gatherings. Enjoy this delicious meal any day of the week!
Tomato Ricotta Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Tomato Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines fresh tomatoes, creamy ricotta cheese, and aromatic garlic for a delightful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this pasta recipe is quick to prepare and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients: Wash and chop the tomatoes; mince the garlic.
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot; add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add garlic; sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add tomatoes: Stir in chopped tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water and dollops of ricotta; toss gently until combined.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
