Go Back
–+ servings
Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta: Your New Go-To Comfort Meal Alright, real talk — have you ever stared at your pantry thinking, “I want something quick, comforting, and totally drool-worthy, but also not too complicated?” Yeah, me too. Enter Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta. This dish is the culinary equivalent of slipping into your favorite cozy sweater after a long day. Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of cheesy, it’s an easy pasta recipe that screams, “I’ve got this dinner thing handled.” I stumbled upon this gem when I needed something fast but satisfying — because who really wants to spend hours cooking every night? If you’re nodding along, let me tell you why this pasta might just become your new weeknight hero. Why Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta? The Perfect Combo What Makes It So Special? Tomato sauce and pasta are old pals, sure. But adding ricotta cheese? That’s the secret weapon. It transforms an ordinary tomato pasta into a luscious, silky dish without the heaviness of cream. Ricotta adds a mild, creamy texture that balances the acidity of tomatoes perfectly. It’s lighter than heavy cream but still indulgent. You get protein and a bit of calcium without sacrificing flavor. Ever wondered why some tomato pastas taste too acidic or watery? The ricotta swoops in like a hero, smoothing things out and adding depth. Plus, it’s super easy to stir in, no fuss. Ingredients You’ll Need — Spoiler: They’re Mostly Pantry Staples! You know what’s awesome? You don’t need a shopping list that looks like a novel. Here’s what I usually have on hand to whip this up: Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your fave shape) Olive oil Garlic (because garlic = life) Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (FYI, crushed tomatoes give better texture) Ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta for creaminess) Fresh basil or dried oregano Salt and pepper Optional: Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness Red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick) See? No exotic ingredients. You can throw this together on a whim and still impress. Step-by-Step Guide: Making Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Here’s where I walk you through the magic in your own kitchen. 1. Cook the Pasta Perfectly Get that pasta boiling in salted water — salt it like the sea, friends. Cook until al dente because nobody wants mushy noodles. Drain but save a cup of pasta water for later (trust me on this). 2. Sauté Garlic and Build Flavor Heat olive oil in a pan, toss in minced garlic, and let it get fragrant (not burnt, we’re not making charcoal). Add your crushed tomatoes, stir, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This simmering is where the sauce develops its character. 3. Add Ricotta and Season Now, stir in a generous scoop of ricotta cheese. It will look like a hot mess at first, but it blends beautifully with the tomato base. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. 4. Bring It All Together Add your cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce feels thick, splash some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This trick keeps your pasta silky and saucy. 5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese Top with fresh basil or oregano and a sprinkle of Parmesan. If you want to go full fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil doesn’t hurt. Tips & Tricks: How to Level Up Your Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta Use Fresh Herbs Whenever Possible Fresh basil turns this dish from “meh” to “wow.” If you only have dried, no worries — just add less because dried herbs pack a punch. Don’t Overcook Your Pasta Seriously, al dente is your friend here. Overcooked pasta is a sad pasta. Try Different Pasta Shapes Penne and rigatoni catch the sauce well, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Shells or farfalle work too. Add Protein for a Heartier Meal Want to bulk this up? Throw in some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits. I won’t judge. :) Customize Your Heat Level Not a fan of spicy? Skip the red pepper flakes. Love the burn? Add more! Why This Recipe Beats Jarred Sauce Any Day Look, jarred tomato sauce has its place — convenience city, right? But it can sometimes be too sweet, salty, or just plain boring. Making your own creamy tomato ricotta sauce lets you: Control the flavors (no surprise salt bombs) Adjust the creaminess level to your liking Use fresh garlic and herbs for that homemade punch Feel like a kitchen wizard without spending hours Plus, FYI, your guests or family will totally notice the difference. What to Serve With Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta? Honestly, this pasta stands tall on its own, but if you want to play the side dish game: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping A simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance richness Roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini for some crunch Ever tried pairing this pasta with a chilled glass of white wine? Pure magic. Personal Confession: Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe I’ll admit it — when life gets hectic, I reach for this creamy tomato ricotta pasta recipe because it feels like a warm hug in bowl form. It’s quick, comforting, and I rarely have leftovers (which says a lot since I usually eat like a bottomless pit). One time, I made it for a dinner party and got multiple “this is amazing” comments. Guess what? It’s not just me who’s hooked! SEO-Friendly Keywords To Keep in Mind To help you find this tasty recipe easily, here are some keywords I made sure to naturally include: Creamy tomato ricotta pasta Easy ricotta pasta recipe Quick tomato pasta with ricotta Weeknight creamy pasta dish Simple ricotta tomato sauce pasta These keywords help this recipe pop up in searches when you’re craving comfort food but don’t want to overthink dinner. Final Thoughts: Time to Get Cooking! So, what are you waiting for? Grab those pantry staples and whip up some Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta tonight. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and cheesy with minimal effort. Got leftover ricotta? No problem. Too tired to cook? This recipe’s got your back — it’s fast, easy, and delicious. Ready to impress yourself and maybe even your picky eaters? You’re one step away from pasta bliss. Don’t forget to share your kitchen wins with me — I’m always here for your food adventures! :)

Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

A quick and comforting creamy tomato ricotta pasta that balances tangy tomatoes and smooth ricotta cheese for an easy, cheesy weeknight dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • Strainer
  • Spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
  • Fresh basil or dried oregano for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Avoid browning.
  • Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in ricotta cheese until sauce is creamy and combined.
  • Season sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust to taste.
  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
  • Remove from heat. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs over the top. Toss lightly and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh basil for the best flavor, or dried herbs if fresh is unavailable.
Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Try adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalProtein: 17gFat: 12gSugar: 8g
Keyword creamy tomato ricotta pasta, easy ricotta pasta recipe
Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!