Tomato Garlic Ricotta Penne Basil (Print Version)

Tender penne in a garlicky tomato sauce with creamy ricotta and fresh basil.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz penne pasta

→ Sauce

02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 28 oz crushed tomatoes (2 cans)
06 - 1 tsp sugar
07 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese & Herbs

09 - 7 oz ricotta cheese
10 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (about 0.7 oz)
11 - 1.75 oz grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor.
04 - Add the drained penne to the tomato sauce. Toss thoroughly, incorporating a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky, coating consistency.
05 - Gently fold in ricotta cheese, half the torn basil, and grated Parmesan. Cook for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese is slightly melted.
06 - Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with remaining fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The ricotta creates these creamy pockets throughout the sauce without making it heavy
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • The ricotta should be dolloped in, not fully melted, for those creamy pockets throughout
  • Reserving pasta water is the secret to restaurant style sauce that clings to every piece
03 -
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre grated for better melting
  • Let the sauce rest 2 minutes off heat before tossing with pasta

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