Luscious Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Weeknight dinners call for something magical like this creamy tomato ricotta pasta that combines simplicity with extraordinary flavor.

Silky ricotta melts into a luscious sauce, creating a comforting meal in minutes.

Fresh tomatoes burst with vibrant sweetness, complementing the rich cheese perfectly.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality taste directly to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Each twirl of pasta captures a dreamy blend of creamy and tangy notes that dance on your palate.

Minimal ingredients, maximum satisfaction await you in this delightful dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Flavor Highlights of Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Transform simple cherry tomatoes into a sweet, caramelized base that adds depth and richness to the entire dish, elevating the overall taste experience.
• Enjoy a luxurious, velvety sauce that comes together effortlessly, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate with minimal cleanup required.
• Adjust the recipe's flavor profile by adding crushed red pepper flakes, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and spice levels.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: A key component that serves as the foundation of the dish.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, sweet tomatoes that roast to caramelized perfection.
• Onion: Provides a savory base flavor for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese: Delivers a rich, smooth, and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce's luxurious and velvety consistency.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor and cooking process.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds a classic herb blend to complement the tomato sauce.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offers an optional spicy kick to the pasta.

How to Make Tomato Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Turn on the oven to 200C (400F).

Spread cherry tomatoes on a baking tray.

Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 15-20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized, creating sweet and wrinkled tomatoes.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil.

Add pasta and cook until al dente following package instructions.

Before draining, set aside 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook until golden and soft.

Introduce minced garlic and sizzle for about 30 seconds, releasing fragrant aromas.

Step 4: Incorporate Roasted Tomatoes

Fold roasted tomatoes into the skillet, gently crushing some to release juices.

• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Let the mixture simmer to blend flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Heavy cream

Mix until smooth and velvety.

Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss thoroughly to coat each piece with sauce.

Cook for an additional minute to allow pasta to absorb flavors.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Transfer to serving plates.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Enjoy your delicious creation immediately while warm.

Simple Tips to Improve Tomato Pasta

• Roast cherry tomatoes longer for intensified caramelization and deeper flavor profile.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to thin or adjust sauce consistency smoothly.
• Experiment with fresh basil or add dried Italian herbs during simmering for extra aromatic depth.
• Swap ricotta with mascarpone or cream cheese for different creamy textures and taste variations.
• Adjust heat by increasing or decreasing crushed red pepper flakes to suit personal spice preferences.

Best Storage for Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta remains fresh and safe to consume.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly. Stop when the pasta reaches your desired temperature.
• Pour pasta into a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, maintaining the creamy texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using microwave or stovetop methods.

Perfect Pairings for Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Opt for a crisp Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that cuts through the creamy richness and complements the sweet roasted tomatoes.
• Elegant Cheese Companion: Serve alongside a small plate of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano, which echoes the ricotta's tangy profile and adds delightful salty notes.
• Fresh Side Salad Boost: Create a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, bright contrast against the pasta's creamy texture and balance the dish's richness.
• Mediterranean Bread Pairing: Slice some warm, crusty ciabatta or focaccia to help soak up the delicious tomato-ricotta sauce and add a satisfying textural element to your meal.

Tomato Pasta Customizations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, vegetable-packed alternative that keeps the creamy sauce intact.
• Vegan Cashew Cream Adaptation: Substitute ricotta and heavy cream with blended cashews and plant-based milk to create a rich, dairy-free sauce that maintains the recipe's luxurious texture.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Upgrade: Add grilled or shredded chicken breast to the dish for an extra protein boost, making it more filling and nutritionally balanced.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning for dried oregano to give the pasta a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• What type of tomatoes work best for this recipe?

Cherry tomatoes are ideal because they’re sweet, roast quickly, and caramelize beautifully. They create a concentrated, intense flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I make this pasta dish vegetarian?

Yes, the recipe is already vegetarian! It doesn’t contain any meat, making it perfect for vegetarian diners. Just ensure your cheese and cream are vegetarian-friendly.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?

Reserve some pasta water to help control the sauce’s consistency. Add it gradually while stirring to achieve the perfect creamy texture. Start with a small amount and increase as needed.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is mild, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes during the simmering stage.

Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta blends Italian comfort with silky richness, creating a luxurious meal that dances between tangy and smooth. Each forkful promises a delightful harmony of fresh ingredients that will transport you straight to a charming Mediterranean kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Seasoning and Dairy:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200C (400F). Arrange cherry tomatoes on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute diced onions until golden and translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Introduce roasted tomatoes to the skillet, gently crushing some to release their juices. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer to blend flavors.
5. Reduce heat and incorporate ricotta cheese and heavy cream, stirring until a smooth sauce forms. Adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand with the creamy sauce. Allow to heat together for one minute to meld flavors.
7. Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves. The vibrant herbs will add a final aromatic touch to the dish.

Notes

• Choose ripe, deep-colored cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and caramelization during roasting.
• Reserve pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each pasta strand.
• Gently crush some roasted tomatoes while simmering to release natural sugars and intensify the sauce’s depth and complexity.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based cream for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg