Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

$- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated parmesan cheese for serving When I create creamy tomato ricotta pasta, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. The pasta is the base. You can use fettuccine or penne, which both hold the sauce well. I prefer cherry tomatoes for their sweet flavor. They add a burst of freshness to the dish. For the creamy part, fresh ricotta cheese is key. It gives a rich texture and taste. I add garlic for depth. Olive oil brings everything together, while balsamic vinegar adds a tangy kick. Herbs like dried basil and oregano enhance the flavor. Salt and pepper are important for balance. Finally, fresh basil leaves brighten the dish, and grated parmesan adds a savory finish. This combination creates a meal that is both easy and delicious. It captures the essence of Italian cooking while being quick to prepare. You will enjoy making this dish as much as you will enjoy eating it! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. 2. Add 12 oz of pasta, like fettuccine or penne. 3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. 4. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute. 3. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should smell fragrant. 4. Now, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. 5. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. 6. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and release juices. 7. Stir in 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and remove from heat. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed tomatoes. 2. Add in 1 cup of fresh ricotta cheese. 3. Toss everything gently until the pasta is fully coated and creamy. 4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy this easy and flavorful creamy tomato ricotta pasta! To boost the taste of your creamy tomato ricotta pasta, fresh herbs work wonders. Try adding: - Fresh basil: It adds a sweet and aromatic touch. - Fresh parsley: This brings a bright flavor and a splash of color. You can also play with seasonings. Consider using: - Red pepper flakes for some heat. - A splash of lemon juice for brightness. - Spinach or kale for added nutrition and color. Achieving a creamy consistency is key. Here are some tips: - Use high-quality ricotta cheese; it makes a big difference. - Mix the ricotta with a bit of pasta water for smoothness. When choosing pasta, I recommend: - Fettuccine for a flat, saucy embrace. - Penne for the perfect bite and sauce-holding ability. Serving your pasta well makes it even more inviting. Here are my favorite ideas: - Use shallow bowls for a beautiful display. - Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for shine. - Add some halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for color. For side dishes, consider: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread for a classic touch. These tips will help you create a dish that looks as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality ricotta cheese to enhance the flavor of your dish. Don't Overcook Pasta: Ensure you cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to add a unique twist to the recipe. Save Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining; it can be added to the sauce for a creamier consistency if needed. {{image_2}} You can boost your creamy tomato ricotta pasta by adding protein. Chicken is a great choice. Just cook diced chicken breast in the skillet before adding the tomatoes. Shrimp also works well. Sauté shrimp until pink, then add the cherry tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, toss in some white beans or lentils. They add protein and keep the dish hearty. You can also use tofu. Just cube it and sauté until golden. These additions will make your meal more filling and add new flavors. If you need lactose-free options, consider using goat cheese or lactose-free ricotta. Both will keep your dish creamy and delicious. For a vegan version, use cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also swap out the cheese for a vegan ricotta. Look for brands that use almonds or soy. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish, no matter their dietary needs. To make this dish gluten-free, you can choose pasta made from rice or lentils. Quinoa pasta is another great option. Just cook according to package instructions. When preparing the dish, be sure to check all sauces and ingredients for gluten. Use fresh herbs and spices to enhance flavor. This way, you keep the dish tasty while making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Avoid letting it sit out for too long. You want to keep it safe and tasty. To reheat the pasta, use a skillet on low heat. Stir it gently to warm it up. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. This helps prevent dryness. To freeze the pasta, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Use it within three months for best taste. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently to enjoy its creamy goodness again. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. This spice gives a nice kick. You could also use cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Start with a small amount. You can always add more if you want it spicier. Fresh jalapeños or sliced chili peppers also work well. Mix them in while cooking the tomatoes for a tasty boost. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine and penne are great choices. However, you could try spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Check the package for exact times. Cooking until the pasta is al dente gives the best texture. This recipe is already vegetarian! It skips meat and focuses on rich flavors. You can add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These will add color and nutrients. Just sauté them with the garlic and tomatoes. You could also use mushrooms for a meaty texture. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful dish without meat! This blog post covered a flavorful creamy tomato ricotta pasta. We explored easy steps, key ingredients, and ways to enhance flavor. You can substitute proteins or try different cheeses for variety. I shared tips on storage and reheating for leftovers, too. Get creative in the kitchen and adapt this dish to fit your tastes. Enjoy your cooking and impress your family with this easy, delicious meal!$

Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with fresh ricotta, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for serving grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. Stir in balsamic vinegar and remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed tomatoes and any juices from the skillet. Add the ricotta cheese and gently toss until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on top, a few extra halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.

Keyword creamy, pasta, quick meal, ricotta, tomato