Description
This Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne with Basil is a delightful dish that combines creamy ricotta, aromatic garlic, and sweet ripe tomatoes for a vibrant meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta
- Fresh Tomatoes (about 4 cups)
- Garlic (about 4 cloves)
- Ricotta Cheese (about 1 cup)
- Fresh Basil (about 1 cup)
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
- Parmesan Cheese (for serving)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes break down and create a saucy consistency.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing it in the tomato sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
- Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the ricotta cheese until evenly distributed. The heat from the pasta will warm the ricotta, resulting in a creamy sauce.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and gently mix them into the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for added flavor. Enjoy your meal!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Choose quality ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.