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Fresh Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta and Basil

Fresh Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta dish featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, whipped ricotta, and fresh basil for a light, creamy, and flavorful meal perfect for casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese, whole milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 8 ounces (225g) spaghetti or linguine, cooked al dente
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), a pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts/4 liters). Add 8 ounces (225g) of spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, place 1 cup (250g) of ricotta cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the ricotta until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add lemon zest from one lemon, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to enhance creaminess and flavor. Set aside.
  3. In a sauté pan over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic (2 cloves) and cook until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds. Add 2 cups (300g) halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to soften and release juices but still hold their shape.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the sauté pan with tomatoes. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a silky sauce consistency, about 2-3 tablespoons. Season with freshly ground black pepper and optional red pepper flakes.
  5. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in roughly chopped fresh basil (1/2 cup loosely packed). Then, dollop the whipped ricotta over the pasta and gently fold it through to create ribbons of creamy cheese throughout the dish.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook the cherry tomatoes; they should burst slightly but still hold their shape. Whip ricotta right before serving to maintain its fluffy texture. Use reserved pasta water to achieve a silky sauce consistency. Start with cold ricotta for best whipping results. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. Add basil last to preserve fresh flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry tomato pasta, whipped ricotta, basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, summer pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/fresh-burst-cherry-tomato-pasta-recipe-with-whipped-ricotta-and-basil-easy-and-perfect/