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Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

• 300g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape works here!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (full fat is best for that velvety texture)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional but adds lusciousness— skip it if you want a lighter sauce)
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
   Begin by setting your oven to a toasty 200°C (400°F). Spread those vibrant cherry tomatoes onto a baking tray, giving them a generous drizzle of olive oil. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper will work wonders here. Roast them for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re soft and a bit caramelized. They’ll be bursting with flavor and ready to elevate your dish.

2. Step 2: Cook the Pasta
   Get a large pot of salted water bubbling away. Toss in your pasta of choice and cook it until it’s just al dente, following the package instructions as your guide. Before you drain the pasta, don’t forget to snag ¼ cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s liquid gold for your sauce later on!

3. Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
   Warm up some olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté it until it turns a lovely golden color, a process that usually takes a few minutes. Add the minced garlic to the pan and let it cook for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the fragrance fills your kitchen.

4. Step 4: Combine the Tomatoes and Seasonings
   Tip those luscious roasted tomatoes into the skillet, gently pressing down on some of them with a spoon to release their juicy insides. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with a few crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for a short while to meld those flavors.

5. Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
   Turn down the heat and introduce the ricotta cheese and heavy cream into the mix, stirring until you’ve got a smooth, creamy concoction. If it’s looking a tad too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water to thin it out. The goal is a sauce that hugs the pasta perfectly, not one that drowns it.

6. Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
   Now’s the time to bring your cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss it around until each piece is well-coated in that delicious sauce. Let it sit together for about a minute so the flavors can really sink in. This step is the secret to a truly harmonious dish.

7. Step 7: Garnish and Serve
   Finally, serve your pasta warm, topped with fresh basil leaves for a splash of color and a hint of freshness. This final touch not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also adds a delightful aroma to your dining experience. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

When crafting this creamy delight, folks sometimes stumble over a few common hurdles. A classic blunder is not reserving that precious pasta water. It’s like liquid gold! It helps achieve the perfect consistency for your sauce, so don’t forget to set some aside before draining your pasta.

Another pitfall is overcooking the pasta. We all love a good pasta, but it should be al dente, which means 'to the tooth'—just firm enough to offer a bite. Otherwise, the pasta may become mushy once it’s tossed in the sauce and cooked a little longer in the skillet.

Then there’s the temptation of the heavy cream. It's love at first stir, but too much can overpower the delicate balance you're trying to achieve. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, either use it sparingly or skip it altogether.

Finally, don’t be shy with those fresh basil leaves! They’re more than just a garnish; they add a fragrant finish that elevates the entire dish. Enjoy the process and these tips will help your pasta sing with flavor every time.

Keywords: Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta, Tomato Ricotta Pasta Dish, Rich Tomato Ricotta Noodles, Creamy Ricotta Tomato Sauce Pasta, Tomato and Ricotta Pasta Recipe, Silky Tomato Ricotta Pasta