One-Pot Creamy Ricotta Tomato Pasta

One-Pot Creamy Ricotta Tomato Pasta is the perfect dish for those busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, this creamy pasta brings together the richness of ricotta cheese, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the savory depth of Parmesan, all in one pot. The best part? It requires minimal cleanup, as everything is cooked in a single pot, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for feeding your family or impressing guests with a delicious homemade meal. The creamy sauce, combined with tender pasta, creates a silky, comforting texture that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this simple yet flavorful pasta will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

This pasta dish is prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful meal without the hassle of long cooking times.

2. One-Pot Wonder

No need to dirty multiple pots and pans. Everything is cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.

3. Creamy and Delicious

The combination of ricotta and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, offering a satisfying and comforting texture.

4. Versatile

You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables, proteins like chicken or shrimp, or even using a different type of pasta.

5. Perfect for Busy Nights

With simple pantry ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• Pasta
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Garlic, minced
• Dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Add Protein: Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage for a protein boost. Simply cook the protein separately and mix it into the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up on vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a more veggie-packed dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce to give the dish a bit of heat and spice.
• Different Cheeses: If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese or mascarpone can also create a rich, creamy sauce. You can also use different types of cheese like mozzarella or Gouda for variety.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large pot, add the pasta, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Bring to a Boil

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 4: Serve

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy, serve the dish hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Stir Occasionally: Stir the pasta a few times during the cooking process to ensure it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds more flavor than pre-chopped garlic, so it’s worth taking the extra minute to chop it yourself.
• Pasta Variety: Feel free to use any pasta you like, from spaghetti to penne or fusilli. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta.

How to Serve

One-Pot Creamy Ricotta Tomato Pasta is a stand-alone meal that’s hearty and satisfying, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with a simple vegetable side like roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach for a balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or broth to rehydrate the sauce.

Freezing

While the dish can be frozen, it may lose some of its creamy texture upon thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a little extra broth or cream to restore its creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between, to ensure even reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

2. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth is a great alternative if you prefer a vegetarian or vegan option.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free ricotta and a plant-based Parmesan alternative to make the dish dairy-free.

4. Can I add meat to this dish?

Yes, you can add grilled chicken, sausage, or shrimp to make the dish more filling. Add it near the end of the cooking time.

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, fresh tomatoes can be used, but you’ll need to chop them and cook them down to release their juices before adding to the pot.

6. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick.

7. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a different creamy texture. You can also add mozzarella or Gouda for a different flavor.

8. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.

9. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

10. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pasta occasionally as it simmers to prevent it from sticking together.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Ricotta Tomato Pasta is a simple, delicious dish that combines the richness of cheese, the sweetness of tomatoes, and the comfort of pasta, all in one pot. With minimal preparation and cooking time, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful meal without much fuss. Plus, its creamy texture and satisfying flavor make it a favorite for anyone who loves easy yet indulgent pasta dishes.

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