If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish, this Tomato Ricotta Pasta is the perfect choice! Made with fresh tomatoes, ricotta cheese, and simple seasonings, this dish is light yet satisfying, making it an ideal healthy dinner with tomatoes.
Best of all, it comes together in just 15 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights, easy-to-heat-up meals, or when you want something fresh without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of baked tomato pasta recipes, shrimp and ricotta recipes, or creamy zucchini pasta recipes, this dish is versatile and easy to customize!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tomato Ricotta Pasta
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
✔️ Healthy & Light – Made with fresh tomatoes, ricotta cheese, and olive oil.
✔️ Creamy Without Heavy Cream – The ricotta creates a rich, velvety sauce.
✔️ Customizable – Add shrimp, zucchini, broccoli, or mozzarella for extra flavor.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Works as a simple weeknight dinner or an elegant pasta dish.
Ingredients Needed
To make this pasta using ricotta cheese, gather the following ingredients:
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta for best texture)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup shrimp (for a shrimp and ricotta pasta variation)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced (for a creamy zucchini pasta recipe)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (for pasta with broccoli and tomatoes)
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔️ Large pot – For boiling pasta.
✔️ Colander – To drain pasta.
✔️ Large skillet – For sautéing the tomatoes and making the sauce.
✔️ Wooden spoon – To mix the sauce evenly.
✔️ Measuring cups & spoons – For accurate seasoning.
How to Make Tomato Ricotta Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese and reserved pasta water, mixing until smooth and creamy. The pasta water helps create a silky sauce.
Step 4: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the ricotta sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Divide into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately!
Best Pasta Types for This Recipe
While spaghetti is a classic choice, other pasta shapes work beautifully in this recipe:
✔️ Rigatoni or Penne: Perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
✔️ Fettuccine or Tagliatelle: Adds a luxurious texture.
✔️ Fresh Mozzarella Pasta Recipe Variation: Add torn fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess.
✔️ Gluten-Free Pasta: Use brown rice or chickpea pasta for a GF option.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta
✔️ Use High-Quality Ricotta – Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes – They should be soft but still hold some shape.
✔️ Use Pasta Water – This helps emulsify the sauce and prevents it from drying out.
✔️ Adjust the Spice Level – Add more or less red pepper flakes to taste.
✔️ Garnish Well – Fresh basil and Parmesan enhance the dish beautifully.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
🦐 Shrimp and Ricotta Pasta: Add sautéed shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
🥦 Pasta with Broccoli and Tomatoes: Toss in blanched broccoli for extra greens.
🧀 Extra Cheesy Version: Stir in fresh mozzarella for added creaminess.
🌿 Vegan Option: Use dairy-free ricotta and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
🍅 Baked Tomato Pasta Recipes: Bake the pasta with a crispy breadcrumb topping for extra texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping the Pasta Water – It helps create a creamy, smooth sauce.
🚫 Using Cold Ricotta – Let it come to room temperature for better blending.
🚫 Overcooking the Pasta – Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce.
🚫 Not Seasoning Enough – Ricotta is mild, so season well with salt, pepper, and herbs.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as ricotta can become grainy.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍞 Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery side to scoop up extra sauce.
🥗 Side Salad: A light arugula or Caprese salad complements the pasta.
🍋 Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish.
🧀 Extra Parmesan: For an extra cheesy touch!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Blend cottage cheese for a similar creamy texture.
❓ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but add extra pasta water when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
❓ What other vegetables can I add?
Try zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra depth.
❓ Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This Tomato Ricotta Pasta is the perfect creamy, quick, and healthy pasta dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress.
If you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and share your experience! Don’t forget to pin this recipe and subscribe for more pasta dish ideas!
PrintTomato Ricotta Pasta : A 15-Minute Meal
If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish, this Tomato Ricotta Pasta is the perfect choice!
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta for best texture)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- ½ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1 cup shrimp (for a shrimp and ricotta pasta variation)
- 1 cup zucchini, diced (for a creamy zucchini pasta recipe)
- 1 cup broccoli florets (for pasta with broccoli and tomatoes)
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella, torn into chunks
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese and reserved pasta water, mixing until smooth and creamy. The pasta water helps create a silky sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the ricotta sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then remove from heat.
Divide into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately!
Notes
✔️ Use High-Quality Ricotta – Whole milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes – They should be soft but still hold some shape.
✔️ Use Pasta Water – This helps emulsify the sauce and prevents it from drying out.
✔️ Adjust the Spice Level – Add more or less red pepper flakes to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Keywords: Pasta Using Ricotta Cheese