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Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

A bowl of vibrant orange Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta topped generously with fresh, chopped basil.
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A simple recipe for rich, comforting pasta featuring a smooth sauce made creamy with ricotta cheese and a tomato base.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or similar)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the ricotta cheese until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Do not let the sauce boil after adding the ricotta.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and the Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
  7. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • To prevent the ricotta from clumping, make sure the sauce is on very low heat or removed from the heat entirely before stirring the ricotta in.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the broth with heavy cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/creamy-tomato-ricotta-pasta-recipe/