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1-Pot Tomato Ricotta Pasta served in a bowl, garnished with fresh basil.

1-Pot Tomato Ricotta Pasta

A delightful dish that embodies comfort and simplicity, featuring a vibrant medley of cherry tomatoes mingling with creamy ricotta, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cooking Base
  • 12 oz penne pasta This tubular pasta captures sauce perfectly and adds a pleasant chew.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps sauté the garlic.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic essence.
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Provides just the right amount of heat to balance the flavors.
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes or 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Offers sweetness and acidity, contributing to the overall taste.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Creates a luscious sauce.
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds depth to the dish.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped Bright freshness that rounds out the dish beautifully.
  • 3/4 cup reserved pasta water Helps achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Remember to reserve 3/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Cooking
  1. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add cherry tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 7–10 minutes until softened and the tomatoes release their juices.
  3. Lower the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  4. Add the cooked pasta back to the pot. Toss to coat, and gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Mix well and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and basil as garnish.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving. Feel free to substitute different pasta shapes. Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for protein. Experiment with other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a nutritious boost.