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To make Creamy Ricotta and Tomato Pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (e.g. spaghetti, fettuccine, penne) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (with extra for serving) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Each ingredient plays a role. The pasta gives the dish its base, while ricotta adds creaminess. Cherry tomatoes provide a sweet burst of flavor. Onions and garlic bring depth to the sauce. Fresh basil adds a bright touch, and Parmesan brings a savory finish. Olive oil helps everything cook smoothly. Feel free to explore substitutions if you need them. You can swap ricotta for other soft cheeses if desired. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps on how to combine these ingredients into a delightful meal. Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following the package guide. Once done, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, toss in the chopped onions. Sauté them until soft, which takes around 3-4 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and stir for about a minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season them with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices. Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese into the skillet. Stir gently to mix the ricotta with the tomatoes. If it looks too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until it’s creamy and smooth. Now, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the pasta gently. Make sure every piece is coated in that creamy tomato sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes over low heat to warm through. Remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. For a delightful meal, serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your dish! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. To know if pasta is cooked al dente, taste it. It should be tender but still firm. Look for a slight bite when you chew. This texture is perfect for our creamy ricotta and tomato pasta. When sautéing onions and garlic, keep a close eye on the heat. Start with medium heat for the oil. Wait until it shimmers, then add the onions. Stir them for about 3-4 minutes until soft. Add garlic next, and stir for just one minute. Garlic can burn quickly, so watch it closely. Herbs and spices can make a big difference. Fresh basil adds a bright taste that pairs well with tomatoes. You can also try adding oregano or thyme for more depth. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. For the best olive oil, look for extra virgin. This type has a fruity flavor and a rich aroma. It enhances the taste of the dish. Drizzling it over the pasta just before serving elevates the meal. This creamy ricotta and tomato pasta pairs well with a simple side salad. A mix of greens with a light vinaigrette complements the dish well. Garlic bread is another great option to soak up the sauce. For a beautiful presentation, use shallow bowls. Dish the pasta neatly and sprinkle extra basil on top. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a final touch. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. Enjoy your delightful meal! {{image_4}} You can switch up the ricotta cheese in this recipe. If you prefer a lighter option, use cottage cheese. For a dairy-free choice, try silken tofu or cashew cream. Each alternative brings a unique flavor and texture. When it comes to pasta, many types work great here. Spaghetti, fettuccine, and penne are popular picks. You can also experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just keep cooking times in mind as they may vary. To make this dish heartier, consider adding protein. Grilled chicken adds a nice touch. Shrimp works well too; simply sauté it until it's pink. If you want a vegetarian option, chickpeas or lentils can boost the protein content. These options blend well with the creamy sauce. Use seasonal veggies to keep this dish fresh. In spring, add asparagus or peas for color and crunch. Summer is perfect for zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, try roasted butternut squash for a sweet twist. For special occasions, you can adapt this recipe easily. Add a splash of white wine for a fancy touch. Serve it on a festive plate or with a side salad for a complete meal. This recipe is flexible and can fit any season or event. To keep your creamy ricotta and tomato pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftover pasta in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This keeps it safe and tasty for later. - Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to skip the cheese. Store it in a freezer-safe container. Use within three months for the best flavor. When it’s time to reheat, you want to keep that creamy texture. Here are the best methods: - Stovetop: Warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. Stir often. - Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to heat evenly. Knowing how long your dish lasts is key. - Refrigerator: This pasta stays good for about 3-5 days. Always check for freshness. - Signs of Spoilage: Look for changes in smell or color. If it looks or smells off, it is best to throw it away. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Ricotta and Tomato Pasta recipe. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can. While ricotta adds creaminess, you can try mascarpone or goat cheese. Each cheese brings unique flavors. Mixing cheeses can also create a richer taste. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many types are available in stores now. You can find options made from rice, quinoa, or even lentils. Just cook them according to package instructions. How long does it take to prepare? This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep. You’ll chop, measure, and get everything ready quickly. What is the total cooking time for this dish? The total cooking time is around 25 minutes. This includes boiling pasta and making the sauce. You’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time! What is the calorie count per serving? Each serving has about 450 calories. This can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Are there any significant allergens in this recipe? Yes, this recipe contains dairy and gluten. Ricotta and Parmesan cheese are dairy products. If you use regular pasta, it will contain gluten. Always check labels for allergens. For the full recipe, check out the details above! This blog post covered a simple yet delicious pasta dish made with ricotta and fresh tomatoes. You learned about the essential ingredients and step-by-step cooking instructions. Remember, feel free to add your favorite proteins or seasonal veggies to make it your own. Store leftovers properly for easy reheating. With a few tips, you can impress anyone with this meal. Enjoy creating and sharing this recipe that’s sure to please!

Creamy Ricotta and Tomato Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of creamy ricotta and tomato pasta with this easy recipe! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines ricotta cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes over your favorite pasta. In just 25 minutes, you’ll create a mouthwatering meal that's both comforting and elegant. Click through for the step-by-step guide and enjoy culinary bliss tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (with extra for serving)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, carefully reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the finely chopped onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and remain vigilant as you stir for an additional minute, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.

      Add Tomatoes: Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, followed by a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat. Cook this mixture for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to burst, releasing their juices.

        Combine with Ricotta: Reduce the skillet's heat to low and dollop the ricotta cheese into the skillet. Gently stir to meld the ricotta with the bursting tomatoes. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until achieving a luxuriously creamy consistency.

          Mix Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Using tongs or a spatula, toss the pasta gently, ensuring it is well-coated in the creamy tomato mixture. Allow it to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over low heat to warm through thoroughly.

            Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the chopped fresh basil and the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                - Presentation Tips: Dish the pasta into shallow bowls and finish with a garnish of extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the top, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your delightful meal!