1-Pot Tomato Ricotta Pasta

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Creamy, rich, and bursting with sun-kissed tomato flavor, this 1-Pot Tomato Ricotta Pasta is your weeknight dinner dream. With minimal prep and just one pot to clean, it’s the perfect marriage of comfort and convenience. The luscious ricotta creates a velvety sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, while fresh basil and a sprinkle of parmesan bring brightness and balance.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding a hungry family, or impressing dinner guests with a deceptively simple dish, this pasta is always a hit. It tastes like something you’d find in a cozy Italian trattoria, yet comes together in under 30 minutes with everyday ingredients.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best in this dish. Their ridges and tubes capture all the creamy ricotta-tomato goodness. If you’re looking to use what you have, elbow or farfalle can be great swaps too. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which don’t hold the sauce quite as well.

Ingredients for the 1-Pot Tomato Ricotta Pasta

• Pasta: Penne or any short pasta is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: The star ingredient. It makes the sauce rich, smooth, and slightly tangy.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add bursts of sweet-tart flavor and a chewy texture that balances the creaminess.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch for gentle heat. Optional, but recommended.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finishes the dish with salty, nutty flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Brings brightness and freshness to every bite.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and flavor balance.

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How To Make the 1-Pot Tomato Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Flavor Base

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and add ricotta cheese to the pot. Stir until it begins to melt and form a creamy base. Gradually pour in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss to coat evenly. Stir in grated parmesan, fresh basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and top with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few basil leaves for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy bliss!

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Storing and Serving Your Tomato Ricotta Pasta

This pasta is best served fresh while the sauce is creamy and luscious. However, leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore its velvety texture.

Avoid freezing this dish, as ricotta can become grainy once thawed.

What to Serve With 1-Pot Tomato Ricotta Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Golden and crispy garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick to scoop up any extra sauce.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully.

Roasted Green Beans

Add a crisp, caramelized veggie to contrast the pasta’s softness.

Grilled Chicken Breast

For extra protein, serve sliced grilled chicken over or on the side.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Sweet and tangy, they bring a flavorful twist to your plate.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil echo the Italian vibes of the dish.

White Wine

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy texture.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this creamy 1-pot pasta, you might fall in love with these easy dinner staples too:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a heartier, meaty twist.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving rich flavors fast.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for cheese lovers.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe if you want a creamy romantic dinner.
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells to sneak in some greens.

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Let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go heavy on the garlic? Add any extras like mushrooms or spinach? I’d love to hear your twists.

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