Description
Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish combining ripe tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and smooth ricotta cheese with perfectly cooked penne. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a comforting, satisfying meal ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, featuring a balanced blend of fresh ingredients that is both nutritious and versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Base
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Sauce
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped (cherry or plum tomatoes)
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Herbs and Seasoning
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes—careful not to burn it!
- Cook the Tomatoes: Add chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet. Let them simmer, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices, creating a vibrant sauce base, typically 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne into the skillet with the tomato and garlic sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta evenly.
- Stir in Ricotta: Remove the pan from heat and gently fold in ricotta cheese, creating creamy pockets throughout the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Add ricotta off the heat to maintain its creamy texture without curdling.
- Choose tubular pasta like penne for optimal sauce clinging.
- Adjust garlic amount to suit your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: tomato pasta, garlic ricotta penne, creamy pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta
