When it comes to quick and satisfying meals, few dishes rival the simplicity and comfort of pasta. This creamy ricotta pasta recipe is a perfect example of how basic ingredients can come together to create a delicious, hearty meal. With its rich and velvety sauce, this pasta dish is ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners with family and friends. The combination of fresh tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and creamy ricotta provides a burst of flavor that is both satisfying and comforting. In this guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process to create this delectable dish, ensuring that you can prepare it with ease and confidence.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make this creamy ricotta pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g pasta: Choose your favorite type of pasta. Whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, the choice of pasta will affect the texture and overall experience of the dish.
- 500g tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes are essential for creating a flavorful sauce. You can use cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or any variety you prefer.
- Olive oil: This adds a rich flavor and helps in sautéing the garlic and tomatoes.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spiciness.
- Oregano: This herb complements the tomato sauce beautifully, adding a Mediterranean touch.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant aroma and a burst of flavor to the pasta.
- 2-3 tablespoons ricotta: This creamy cheese will create the luscious texture of the sauce.
- 1 ladle of pasta water: The starchy pasta water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and achieve the right consistency.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth and a subtle, savory note to the sauce.
Preparation
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a ladle of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will be used to help emulsify the sauce.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Once the garlic is aromatic, add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Cook the tomatoes until they break down and form a sauce. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and oregano to the tomato sauce. Stir well to combine. The seasoning will enhance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and create a well-balanced flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Incorporate the Ricotta: Once the tomato sauce has thickened, stir in the ricotta cheese. The ricotta will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy and luxurious texture. If the sauce appears too thick, add a ladle of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato and ricotta sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. The heat from the pasta will help to further blend the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the pasta with freshly chopped basil leaves. Serve immediately while the pasta is still warm. You can also add extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This creamy ricotta pasta recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a gourmet meal in no time. The rich, creamy sauce made with ricotta cheese, combined with the fresh flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and basil, results in a comforting dish that is sure to please. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for yourself or a meal for loved ones, this recipe is a versatile and delightful choice. Enjoy the creamy goodness of this pasta dish and savor every bite of its delicious, comforting flavors.
