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Tomato Ricotta Pasta : A 15-Minute Meal

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If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish, this Tomato Ricotta Pasta is the perfect choice!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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!

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

Keywords: Pasta Using Ricotta Cheese

Find it online: https://lyndyskitchen.com/tomato-ricotta-pasta-a-15-minute-meal/