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Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne

Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne
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Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne is a quick, comforting pasta dish combining creamy ricotta cheese with fresh tomatoes and aromatic garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this flavorful recipe balances richness and brightness with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to deliver a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 4 cups ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Dairy & Herbs

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot and cook the penne pasta until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta but reserve a cup of the pasta water to help adjust your sauce later.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add freshly minced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Add diced ripe tomatoes (or canned crushed tomatoes) to the skillet with garlic. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked penne to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce for a silky finish.
  5. Add Ricotta and Basil: Lower the heat and dollop generous spoonfuls of ricotta over the pasta, stirring gently to combine while still keeping its creamy texture. Finish by tossing in fresh basil leaves and mixing to infuse the dish with herbal freshness.

Notes

  • Cook penne just until al dente to ensure it holds up under creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for a vibrant aroma rather than pre-minced or powdered varieties.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency, making it smooth and clingy.
  • Stir ricotta in gently and off the heat to retain its fresh creaminess without curdling.
  • Choose naturally sweet and juicy ripe tomatoes to avoid a sour or dull sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato, garlic, ricotta, penne, quick pasta, vegetarian, creamy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/tomato-garlic-ricotta-penne/