Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce later on.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their juices.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined and the sauce is creamy.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it to the skillet with the ricotta sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
6. Cook the pasta and sauce mixture over low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Remove from heat and serve the pasta with ricotta immediately. Garnish with some extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips:
- Feel free to add some cooked vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers to add more color and nutrition to the dish.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the pasta before serving.
- If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the ricotta cheese with a hand blender before adding it to the skillet.
Now that you have the recipe for pasta with ricotta, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This delicious Italian dish will surely become a favorite in your household. Its creamy texture and flavorsome combination make it an irresistible choice for pasta lovers. Buon appetito!