– 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Follow these steps to create your Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta:
1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté Tomatoes: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
3. Add Garlic and Oregano: Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Combine Ricotta: Lower the heat and add the ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is well combined with the tomato mixture, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
5. Mix Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the creamy tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Remove from heat. Plate the pasta, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
7. Enjoy: Serve immediately, enjoying the delightful flavors in every bite!