Imagine twirling your fork into a steaming plate of perfectly cooked pasta, draped in rich marinara sauce, and dotted with luxurious dollops of creamy ricotta cheese. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a passionate foodie craving authentic flavors, this Pasta with Marinara Sauce and Ricotta will become your new go-to recipe that promises to impress and satisfy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, pour the marinara sauce into a large skillet and warm it over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the marinara sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and dollop ricotta cheese generously over the pasta.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and ricotta.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the pasta just before serving.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of sauce, ricotta, and fresh basil.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out. • Reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauces. • For the best texture, cook pasta just until al dente—it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with hot sauce. • Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor compared to pre-grated cheese. • Let the hot pasta slightly melt the ricotta for a creamy, luxurious texture. • Fresh basil is key—tear it just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma. • For a gourmet touch, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 178kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 11g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
