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Creamy Tomato And Ricotta Pasta Recipe

This creamy tomato and ricotta pasta is a family favorite and one of those pasta recipes you will reuse over and over again. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy Italy’s amazing flavors with minimal effort.

creamy tomato and ricotta

Here’s everything you need for this tomato ricotta recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • chili powder or flakes, optional for spice
  • 1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes or sweet cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 container, 15 oz, ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces tube pasta, cooked and kept warm
  • large bunch of fresh basil leaves
ricotta pasta

Directions:

Cook your pasta according to package directions and set aside. 

Add oil, garlic, onion, seasoning, and tomatoes into a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until tomatoes begin to burst. Add heavy whipping cream and butter. Cover and continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are all popped. 

add pasta to sauce

Add cooked pasta, ricotta, and fresh basil. Stir well and continue to cook until heated through. Serve immediately topped with additional chopped basil if desired. 

creamy pasta recipe

Tips and Variations for this Easy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe

  • Whole milk ricotta is always preferred.
  • Add crispy prosciutto or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. 
  • We prefer to cook our pasta al dente. 
  • If you’d like to add vegetables to this dish, throw in some fresh spinach.
  • A tablespoon of tomato paste will give this dish a richer feeling. 
  • Add red pepper flakes for additional heat.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • If you wanted to, you could throw the sauce mixture in a food processor before mixing it with your pasta. This will provide a smooth, creamy texture. 
  • Before serving, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt. 
  • Fresh herbs are always best, but feel free to use blended Italian seasoning if you have it on hand.
  • While we don’t typically do so, you could top the creamy sauce with parmesan cheese if desired. 
  • Your favorite pasta shape will do! From penne pasta to rigatoni, it all works. 
one pan pasta recipe

This easy pasta recipe topped with tomato ricotta sauce is such an easy weeknight dinner. Your taste buds will thank you for trying it out! There’s something special about combining tomatoes with traditional pasta, lots of garlic, and fresh ricotta cheese. 

one pan pasta recipe

Creamy Tomato And Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This creamy tomato and ricotta pasta is a family favorite and one of those pasta recipes you will reuse over and over again. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy Italy's amazing flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • salt and pepper
  • chili powder or flakes, optional for spice
  • 1-1/2 cups grape tomatoes or sweet cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 container, 15 oz, ricotta cheese
  • 8 ounces tube pasta, cooked and kept warm
  • large bunch of fresh basil leaves

Instructions

    • Cook your pasta according to package directions and set aside. 
    • Add oil, garlic, onion, seasoning, and tomatoes into a large skillet. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until tomatoes begin to burst. Add heavy whipping cream and butter. Cover and continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are all popped. 
    • Add cooked pasta, ricotta, and fresh basil. Stir well and continue to cook until heated through. Serve immediately topped with additional chopped basil if desired. 
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 278Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 155mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 11g

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