Description
Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender penne with a luscious tomato garlic sauce enriched with ricotta cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, offering a harmonious balance of fresh tomatoes, roasted garlic, and creamy ricotta for an elegant yet simple meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Tomato Sauce
- 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or 1 tbsp Italian herbs
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water to use later if needed.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Add fresh chopped tomatoes or canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet with garlic. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
- Mix in ricotta cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in ricotta cheese until the sauce turns creamy and smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained penne into the sauce and toss well to coat every bite. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes and fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
- Do not overcook the pasta to keep the perfect al dente texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky sauce that clings well to the penne.
- Gently fold in the ricotta to maintain its creamy texture without breaking it down too much.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg