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Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Ricotta Cheese

A comforting pasta dish featuring whole wheat pasta, fresh tomatoes, and creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for a quick family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 12 oz whole wheat pasta A healthy base that adds fiber and nutrition.
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Provides richness and depth of flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the dish with aromatic sweetness.
  • 2 cups cocktail-sized tomatoes, quartered Bursting with juicy flavor, adding freshness.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper Adds a hint of spice and warmth.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves Contributes vibrant color and nutrients.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves A fragrant herb that brightens the dish.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds a savory, nutty flavor and richness.
  • 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese Creamy and luxurious, it completes the dish.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Boil the whole wheat pasta in salted water for one minute less than package directions, so that it is al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta, reserving a quarter cup of the pasta water for later use.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. In a large sauté pan, warm the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.
  2. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for about five minutes, stirring often, until the oil becomes fragrant.
  3. Introduce the quartered tomatoes and their juices to the pan, seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through.
  4. Add the drained hot pasta to the sauté pan with the tomatoes. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, tossing until they begin to wilt and incorporate into the pasta.
  6. Stir in fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese while seasoning with more kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. If the pasta seems dry, drizzle in more olive oil or add one to two tablespoons of reserved pasta water to the mixture.
  8. Serve the pasta warm with dollops of fresh ricotta cheese on top, drizzling with more olive oil if desired.

Notes

For added depth, a splash of balsamic vinegar during the cooking process can complement the tomatoes and spinach beautifully. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an impressive finish.