One Pot Pasta With Ricotta Clouds Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening in your kitchen, the comforting aroma of garlic mingling with crushed tomatoes, as you whip up a dreamy one-pot pasta dish that’s effortless yet indulgent. This ricotta cloud-topped masterpiece is about to become your new go-to comfort meal with just the right hint of spice and herbaceous basil freshness. Let’s create a bowl of pasta magic!

I adore the uncomplicated nature of a meal that requires only a single pot, and my One-Pot Pasta With Ricotta Clouds is a tasty example of that. This pasta dish has the robust flavor of crushed tomatoes and the herbaceous hit of oregano, plus a little spice from red pepper flakes.

It’s heavenly. And it’s topped with a combination of creamy ricotta and Parmesan.

So you definitely shouldn’t miss this.

One Pot Pasta With Ricotta Clouds Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta: Provides complex carbohydrates and energy, heartiness for the dish.
• Olive oil: Offers healthy fats and a rich, subtle flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor, is rich in antioxidants and beneficial for immunity.
• Crushed tomatoes: A source of vitamins C and A, with a tangy sweetness.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional heat and a metabolism-boosting ingredient.
• Ricotta cheese: Creamy texture, provides protein and calcium.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds umami flavor, rich in protein and calcium.

One Pot Pasta With Ricotta Clouds Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

How to Make this One Pot Pasta With Ricotta Clouds Recipe

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and, if you like it spicy, the red pepper flakes; sauté for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant and the oil is infused.

2. Add the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper.

3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then add the pasta. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce with tongs.

4. Place the pot on the burner and set to medium. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring now and then, until the pasta is tender but still has some bite to it. The pasta will have soaked up a good amount of the liquid, but there should still be enough left to make a nice sauce.

5. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan with a fork until the two are indistinguishable from one another and are fully mixed.

6. After cooking the pasta, take the pot off the heat. If necessary, adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper to taste.

7. Using a spoon, drop the ricotta mixture onto the pasta, making small “clouds” of it throughout the dish.

8. Change the cover and permit the residual heat to warm the cheese just a bit for 2 minutes.

9. Lightly combine the pasta with a portion of the melted ricotta, leaving somewhat lumpy ricotta that is visible when the pasta and sauce are mixed.

10. Top with fresh basil leaves and serve right away. Enjoy a one-bowl pasta experience filled with ricotta clouds!

One Pot Pasta With Ricotta Clouds Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot or Dutch oven
2. Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
3. Tongs
4. Small bowl
5. Fork
6. Spoon

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?You can use any type of pasta that you favor, but remember that cooking times might differ a bit. Alter as required.
• Is there a non-dairy substitute for ricotta cheese?Absolutely, a non-dairy ricotta or silken tofu blended with lemon juice can be used for a similar texture and flavor.
• How can I make the dish spicier?Increase the quantity of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to raise the temperature.
• Can I add proteins to this dish?Certainly, for added protein, cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp can be incorporated. Cook them in advance and mix them in just before serving.
• What if I don’t have vegetable broth?Chicken broth can be used instead of just water, though water can be used, too. Using the broth gives the dish more flavor.
• How can I make this a gluten-free recipe?Select a gluten-free pasta that you like best, but make sure to look at the box for the proper way to cook it and the recommended time you should be cooking it for.
• How best to store leftovers?Put any remaining food in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the stovetop instead of the microwave and add a bit of broth or water to get the sauce back to its original consistency.

One Pot Pasta With Ricotta Clouds Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute canola oil or avocado oil for olive oil.
Substitute garlic cloves with 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
Cayenne pepper or black pepper can be used in place of red pepper flakes.
For the home cook:
If you can’t find canned crushed tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead. Take 28 ounces of fresh tomatoes and puree them. This can be done in a blender or food processor. Use in place of the canned version.

Ingredients for sauce:
1. Canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh pureed tomatoes)

A non-vegetarian option is to use chicken broth in place of the vegetable broth.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Sauce For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce after sautéing the garlic and red pepper flakes. Allow it to reduce slightly before adding the crushed tomatoes and broth.

2. Infuse More Flavor Add a Parmesan rind to the pot while simmering the sauce. Remove it before serving for an extra depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

3. Achieve Perfect Pasta Texture Cook the pasta just short of al dente in the sauce, as it will continue to soften slightly after removing from heat. This ensures the pasta absorbs maximum flavor while maintaining a good bite.

4. Fresh Basil Twist Just before serving, tear the fresh basil leaves by hand instead of cutting them. This method helps to release aromatic oils without bruising the leaves too much.

5. Customize the Heat Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes or incorporate freshly cracked black pepper right at the end for an additional peppery kick.