Dreamy One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you combine sun-dried tomato pasta in a single pot, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Comfort meets simplicity with this effortless dish that promises maximum taste with minimal cleanup.

Creamy whipped ricotta adds a luxurious layer of richness, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Fresh herbs and perfectly balanced seasonings elevate every single bite into a memorable experience.

Mediterranean ingredients whisper stories of sunshine and relaxed dining moments.

Weeknight dinners never looked so appealing, with each forkful promising pure deliciousness.

You will want to savor every single morsel of this incredible pasta creation.

One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Ricotta

• Simplify Cooking: Enjoy a delicious one-pot pasta that eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Burst of Flavor: Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and creamy ricotta, this recipe delivers an explosion of Mediterranean-inspired tastes in every bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families and home cooks seeking a speedy yet impressive meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for simple ingredient swaps or additions, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Ricotta

• Pasta: A core component that becomes creamy and absorbs the rich flavors of the dish.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide an intense, concentrated tomato flavor and add depth to the sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base that adds richness and texture to the pasta.

• Shallots, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory and aromatic base for the dish.
• Basil, Parsley, Dill: Fresh herbs that bring brightness and complex herbal notes to the final recipe.

• Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Spices that add warmth, heat, and depth of flavor to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Ingredients that contribute to the creamy, rich texture of the sauce.
• Lemon: Adds a bright, citrusy note to the whipped ricotta, balancing the rich flavors.

Directions For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Ricotta

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat the oil from sun-dried tomato jar in a large pot.

Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Sauté shallots and garlic over medium-high heat until fragrant.

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Cook until tomatoes deepen in color and start to crisp slightly.

Step 3: Create Pasta Cooking Liquid

Pour water into the pot and bring to a boil.

Add pasta and cook while stirring frequently, ensuring the pasta reaches al dente texture.

Step 4: Whip Creamy Ricotta Topping

Blend ricotta cheese with fresh lemon juice in a food processor until smooth and creamy.

Season with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Step 5: Finish the Pasta

Remove pot from heat.

Stir in parmesan cheese and butter until the pasta becomes ultra-creamy.

• Basil
• Parsley
• Dill

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spread whipped ricotta in serving bowls.

Transfer hot pasta on top and gently toss.

Sprinkle additional herbs and parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation.

Tips For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Ricotta

• Use a spoon to press sun-dried tomatoes against the jar's side to extract maximum flavorful oil for cooking.
• Chop herbs right before adding to maintain their vibrant color and maximize aromatic intensity.
• Continuously stir pasta during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even water absorption for perfect al dente texture.
• Blend ricotta with lemon at room temperature for ultra-creamy, silky consistency that blends seamlessly into pasta.
• Use the same pot for cooking and creating sauce to minimize cleanup and concentrate flavors throughout the dish.

Flavor Twists For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace ricotta with silken tofu blended until smooth, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and swap butter with olive oil for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Garden Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles, ensuring the dish remains celiac-friendly and packed with flavor.
• Protein Power Bowl: Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to the pasta, transforming the recipe into a hearty protein-rich meal while maintaining the sun-dried tomato essence.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of za'atar spice to give the pasta a Greek-inspired Mediterranean profile.

Pairings For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Ricotta

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this pasta as the centerpiece of a Mediterranean-inspired dinner with crusty bread and a crisp white wine.
• Creamy Texture Delight: Swirl extra whipped ricotta on top and sprinkle with fresh herbs for a luxurious, restaurant-style presentation that elevates the dish.
• Fresh Salad Companion: Pair with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add a refreshing contrast.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for those wanting extra protein and a more substantial meal.

Storage Advice For Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the whipped ricotta and pasta to prevent sogginess.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, excluding ricotta. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place herbs separately to maintain freshness.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add fresh herbs after reheating.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly. Top with fresh ricotta and herbs before serving.

FAQs

• What makes sun-dried tomatoes special in this recipe?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide an intense, concentrated tomato flavor and slight tanginess that elevates the pasta’s overall taste profile, creating a rich and deep Mediterranean-inspired dish.

• Can I use regular tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Regular tomatoes won’t deliver the same concentrated flavor and texture. Sun-dried tomatoes are crucial for this recipe’s unique taste and depth, so it’s recommended to use them as specified.

• Is this recipe considered vegetarian?

Yes, this one-pot pasta recipe is vegetarian-friendly. It uses ingredients like pasta, ricotta, parmesan, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes without any meat components.

• How difficult is this recipe for home cooks?

This is a beginner to intermediate-level recipe. It requires basic cooking skills like chopping, sautéing, and stirring.

One Pot Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Whipped Ricotta Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pot sun-dried tomato pasta delights pasta enthusiasts with Mediterranean charm. Rich whipped ricotta crowns this simple yet elegant dish, inviting pure comfort and flavor in every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound short cut pasta
• 1 jar (8 ounces/226 grams) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 2 small shallots (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons Spanish or smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

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Instructions

1. Extract the sun-dried tomato oil into a large pot, then finely dice the tomatoes.
2. Heat the pot over medium-high temperature, sauté shallots and garlic until aromatic, approximately 2 minutes. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, cooking until tomatoes darken and slightly crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Pour water into the pot, bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring frequently, until perfectly tender, around 8 minutes.
4. While pasta cooks, blend ricotta with lemon in a food processor until smooth and silky. Season with salt to enhance flavor.
5. Remove pasta from heat, vigorously mix in parmesan and butter to create a luxurious, creamy texture.
6. Fold fresh basil, parsley, and dill into the pasta, distributing herbs evenly.
7. Spread whipped ricotta across serving dish or individual plates, creating a creamy base.
8. Gently transfer hot pasta over ricotta, allowing slight mixing. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and parmesan cheese for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil, which adds richness to the dish.
• Customize pasta texture by adjusting water quantity slightly; less water creates a thicker sauce, more water makes it lighter.
• Transform into a vegetarian or gluten-free meal by substituting pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Enhance meal prep by preparing whipped ricotta and chopping herbs in advance, reducing cooking time and simplifying the process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg