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Creamy Tomato Garlic Ricotta Spaghetti: Quick & Easy Meal

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Tomato Garlic Ricotta Spaghetti, a dish that combines rich tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and creamy ricotta for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe is both simple and gourmet.

Ingredients

  • Spaghetti
  • Whole milk ricotta cheese
  • Canned crushed tomatoes
  • Fresh garlic
  • Yellow or white onion
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Before you even think about turning on the stove, take a moment to prep your ingredients. Finely mince all your garlic, dice your onion, and measure out your ricotta, crushed tomatoes, and cream. Have your spaghetti ready.
  2. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 to 1 ½ cups of that starchy pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a generous drizzle of good quality olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if you like, a sprinkle of dried oregano or Italian seasoning. Stir everything together. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes.
  5. Once your tomato sauce has had time to simmer, stir in the heavy cream. Let it gently warm through for a minute or two. Now for the star: add the ricotta cheese directly into the sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until the ricotta is fully incorporated and the sauce looks luxuriously creamy.
  6. Add the cooked, drained spaghetti directly into the creamy tomato garlic ricotta sauce in the skillet. Using tongs, toss the spaghetti continuously, making sure every strand is coated in that incredible sauce. Continue to toss for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in a generous handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil, a grating of Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, and a final drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: Don't skimp on the garlic for the best flavor. Reserve starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Use quality whole milk ricotta for a rich texture. Finish with fresh herbs for vibrant flavor.