Go Back
spaghetti with tomato ricotta sauce recipe

Spaghetti with Tomato Ricotta Sauce

Chef Roberto, an Italian-American cuisine expert from Eat Every Slice, smiling while holding a plate of freshly made pasta garnished with basil.Roberto
A delightful and quick pasta dish featuring creamy ricotta and juicy cherry tomatoes, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 large pan for preparing sauce
  • 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic. Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.

Cook the Pasta

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.

Make the Sauce

  • Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until they begin to soften and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the ricotta cheese and mix until combined with the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve

  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Pair with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

  • Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure pasta is cooled before sealing.
  • To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and heat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Notes

Pro Tips: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
Ingredient Substitutions: Use whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier option.
How to Serve: Pair with a light salad or garlic bread.
Storage & Freshness: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat with the pasta when ready to serve.
Keyword creamy tomato pasta, easy tomato pasta recipe, ricotta cheese pasta