Looking for the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a warm hug? This Ricotta Penne Recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that's ready in just minutes. I've been making this creamy pasta dish for years, and it never fails to impress my family and friends.
What makes this Ricotta Penne Recipe so special is its incredible versatility and foolproof method. Whether you're a busy parent juggling multiple tasks or a cooking novice wanting to create something delicious, this recipe delivers every single time. The creamy ricotta cheese creates the most luxurious sauce without any complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.
Why This Ricotta Penne Recipe Stands Out
This isn't just another pasta recipe ; it's a game-changer that brings authentic Italian flavors to your dinner table. The beauty of this Ricotta Penne Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way ricotta cheese naturally creates a silky, restaurant-style sauce without heavy cream or butter.
I discovered this technique during a cooking class in Rome, where the chef showed us how traditional Italian families have been making this Ricotta Penne Recipe for generations. The secret is in the pasta water ; it helps the ricotta create the perfect creamy consistency that coats every single penne tube. This method ensures your pasta never feels heavy or overly rich, making it perfect for any season.
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Ingredients
- Penne pasta (or tube-shaped pasta)
- Whole milk ricotta cheese
- Fresh garlic
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Reserved pasta cooking water
Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh mozzarella pearls
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Red pepper flakes
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Base
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil
- Add penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente
- Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining
- Set pasta aside and keep the pot for making your sauce
Create the Creamy Sauce
- In the same large pot, heat olive oil over medium-low heat
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don't let it brown)
- Remove pot from heat and add room temperature ricotta cheese
- Whisk in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water gradually until smooth and creamy
Combine and Perfect
- Add the drained penne pasta back to the pot with the ricotta mixture
- Toss gently over low heat, adding more pasta water if needed for consistency
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, salt, and pepper
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve with crusty Italian bread for the complete experience
- Transfer to serving bowls immediately while hot
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil
- Add a drizzle of good olive oil and cracked black pepper
- Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
Gently cook garlic, then whisk ricotta with pasta water into a creamy sauce.
- Step 3: Combine and Perfect
Toss pasta in the sauce and add cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately with parmesan, basil, olive oil, and crusty bread.
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control
- Keep your heat on medium-low when working with ricotta. High heat can cause the cheese to curdle and create a grainy texture in your Ricotta Penne Recipe. The gentle heat helps maintain that silky smooth consistency we're after.
Pasta Water Magic
- Never skip the pasta water step. This starchy liquid is what transforms regular ricotta into a restaurant-quality sauce. Add it gradually while stirring to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Timing Matters
- Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. This recipe moves quickly once you begin, and you don't want your pasta getting cold while you chop garlic.
Quality Ingredients
- Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-grated for better melting
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference over dried
- Good quality olive oil adds depth to the final dish
Texture Tips
- Room temperature ricotta mixes more easily than cold ricotta straight from the fridge. Take it out 30 minutes before cooking for best results.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Protein Additions
- Transform this basic recipe into a complete meal by adding cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or pancetta. Cook proteins separately and fold them in during the final step to maintain their texture and flavor.
Vegetable Variations
- Spinach and cherry tomatoes work beautifully in this dish. Add fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking so it wilts perfectly. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant also complement the creamy ricotta base.
Dietary Modifications
- For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons. Dairy-free options include cashew ricotta or store-bought vegan ricotta alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different.
Herb Alternatives
- While basil is traditional, fresh oregano, thyme, or a combination of Italian herbs work wonderfully. Dried herbs should be added earlier in the cooking process to bloom their flavors properly.
Equipment Recommendations
- The key to perfect Ricotta Penne Recipe success lies in having the right tools. A large, heavy-bottomed pot ensures even heat distribution and prevents the ricotta from sticking or burning during the sauce-making process.
- Essential equipment includes a large pasta pot, fine-mesh strainer for draining, wooden spoon for gentle stirring, and a good whisk for smooth sauce consistency. A microplane grater for fresh Parmesan and garlic makes prep work effortless and creates better texture than pre-minced alternatives.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The sauce may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal for ricotta-based dishes.
Reheating Instructions
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works but stir frequently to prevent hot spots.
Make-Ahead Tips
- While this Ricotta Penne Recipe is best served fresh, you can prep ingredients in advance. Cook pasta slightly underdone if making ahead, as it will finish cooking during reheating.
Freezing Guidelines
- Ricotta-based sauces don't freeze well due to texture changes, but the cooked pasta can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.well to freezing for X days/weeks/months.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
After years of making this dish, I discovered the one trick that transforms a good ricotta pasta into an absolutely incredible Ricotta Penne Recipe. The secret lies in adding just a tablespoon of the pasta cooking water to your ricotta before you even start heating it. This simple step keeps the cheese from seizing up and creates the silkiest base for any Ricotta Penne Recipe.
My Italian grandmother always said that pasta water is “liquid gold,” and she was absolutely right. In this Ricotta Penne Recipe, the starchy water doesn’t just thin the sauce — it binds all the ingredients together, giving the pasta a glossy finish that clings perfectly to every piece of penne. Once you try this method, you’ll never make a Ricotta Penne Recipe any other way.
FAQ
What does putting an egg in ricotta do?
Adding an egg to ricotta creates a firmer, more custard-like texture, especially in baked dishes. For this Ricotta Penne Recipe, an egg isn't necessary since we want a creamy, flowing sauce rather than a set consistency.
How do Italians eat ricotta?
Italians typically eat ricotta fresh and simple ; in pasta dishes like this Ricotta Penne Recipe, mixed into desserts, or spread on bread. They rarely eat it plain but always incorporate it into other dishes where its creamy texture can shine.
Can you use ricotta instead of cream in pasta?
Absolutely! Ricotta makes an excellent cream substitute in pasta dishes. It's lighter than heavy cream but still creates that rich, satisfying texture we love in this Ricotta Penne Recipe.
How to stop ricotta curdling in pasta?
Keep the heat low, use room temperature ricotta, and add pasta water gradually. Never boil ricotta directly, and always remove the pan from heat when incorporating it into your Ricotta Penne Recipe.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try
Now that you’ve mastered this Ricotta Penne Recipe, your pasta game is definitely on another level. This Ricotta Penne Recipe teaches you the essential Italian technique of using pasta water to create a silky cheese-based sauce. The skills gained from making this Ricotta Penne Recipe translate beautifully into other creamy pasta dishes and authentic Italian recipes. Once you’ve tried this Ricotta Penne Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to comfort food for so many home cooks. Keep experimenting with variations, and this Ricotta Penne Recipe will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Consider trying our Zucchini Penne Recipe for a lighter summer variation, or dive into our rich and satisfying Chicken Tagliatelle Recipe for your next special dinner. Both recipes build on the same fundamental techniques that make this Ricotta Penne Recipe so successful, giving you confidence to t
Happy Cooking!-By Lisa Johnson 💛
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Pairing
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Ricotta Penne Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large pasta pot For boiling penne pasta
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer To drain pasta easily
- 1 Wooden spoon For gentle stirring while combining pasta and sauce
- 1 Whisk To blend ricotta and pasta water into a creamy sauce
- 1 Microplane grater For freshly grating parmesan and garlic
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta or any tube-shaped pasta
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese room temperature
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- red pepper flakes for heat
- fresh mozzarella pearls for extra creaminess
Instructions
- Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water.
- Heat olive oil, add garlic, cook until fragrant.
- Remove pot from heat, whisk ricotta with pasta water until creamy.
- Return pasta, toss with sauce, parmesan, and basil.
- Garnish with extra parmesan, basil, and olive oil.
Notes
- Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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