If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting, and flavorful pasta dish, this Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta is the perfect recipe! With its rich tomato base, silky ricotta cheese, and aromatic garlic, this dish is a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily make at home.
It’s quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for a special occasion. The combination of ricotta cheese and tomato sauce creates a lusciously creamy texture, coating every bite of pasta with an irresistible flavor.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from the best pasta shapes to use, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, and ideal pairings. Let’s get cooking! 🍝
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
✅ Creamy & Delicious – The ricotta adds a luxurious silky texture to the tomato sauce.
✅ Comforting & Satisfying – A hearty dish that feels indulgent but is made with wholesome ingredients.
✅ Versatile – Can be customized with vegetables, protein, or different herbs.
✅ Budget-Friendly – Uses simple pantry staples to create an elegant meal.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Creamy Tomato Ricotta Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (adds richness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for depth of flavor)
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes 🍅
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a concentrated tomato flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (or use fresh for extra aroma)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese 🧀
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (for added umami)
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from boiling the pasta)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil leaves 🌿
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- A drizzle of olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta 🍝
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce 🍅
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Make It Creamy 🧀
- Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese until smooth.
- If you want extra richness, add the heavy cream and mix well.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese for a savory umami boost.
- Add ¼ cup of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce slightly and help it coat the pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta & Serve 🍽️
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Your Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed!
Expert Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta
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