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Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe

This Easy Ricotta Pasta Recipe is a creamy, comforting, and simple dish ready in under 30 minutes. Featuring velvety ricotta cheese combined with perfectly cooked short pasta, fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan, it’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining. Minimal ingredients bring maximum flavor and a satisfying texture, making it a kid-friendly classic that can be customized with vegetables, proteins, or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz dry short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs & Cheese

  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or oregano), chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Ricotta Sauce: While the pasta cooks, whisk ricotta cheese in a bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  3. Combine Pasta and Ricotta: Toss the drained pasta back into the pot or a warm bowl, then fold in the ricotta mixture gently. The heat from the pasta will warm the ricotta and create a silky coating on every piece.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Mix in chopped fresh herbs and sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top, tossing lightly to combine so all the flavors meld beautifully.
  5. Final Taste and Serve: Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or olive oil if desired. Serve immediately for the creamiest experience.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to help bind sauce and pasta, making it silky and cohesive.
  • Use whole-milk ricotta for a richer, creamier texture.
  • Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente to maintain texture.
  • Minced or grated fresh garlic blends best without overpowering.
  • Serve immediately for the best creaminess and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, simple pasta sauce, weeknight meal