Penne in tomato sauce and ricotta

Name: Penne in tomato sauce and ricotta - Elodia A.
Ingredients: 90 grams whole wheat penne; 400 grams tomatoes in broth; 30 grams fresh basil; 100 grams ricotta; 1 clove of garlic; sliced

Pasta/Pizza - Penne in tomato sauce and ricotta by Elodia A. - Recipia

Penne in tomato sauce and ricotta: a quick and delicious feast When it comes to cooking, there’s nothing more satisfying than transforming a few simple ingredients into a savory dish. This recipe for penne in tomato sauce and ricotta is perfect for a quick dinner, yet full of flavors. With a total preparation time of just 30 minutes and a serving size of 2, you’ll find it to be an ideal option for those evenings when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen but want to treat yourself to something special. The history of this dish is tied to Mediterranean tradition, where pasta becomes a versatile base for a variety of sauces. Ricotta, a fresh Italian cheese, adds a wonderful creaminess and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of tomatoes and the fresh aroma of basil. It’s a simple recipe, yet it has a significant impact on flavor. Necessary ingredients: - 90 grams whole grain penne - 400 grams canned tomatoes - 30 grams fresh basil (plus a few leaves for garnish) - 100 grams ricotta - 1 clove garlic, sliced - Olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes Number of servings: 2 Step by step in the kitchen: 1. Let’s start preparing the sauce. In a medium skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Olive oil is not only a delicious ingredient but also has numerous health benefits, including a high antioxidant content. 2. Add the sliced garlic and chopped basil stems. Cook them for 1-2 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can give a bitter taste to the sauce. 3. Once the garlic has taken on a beautiful color, add the canned tomatoes, along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is the stage where the flavors meld and the sauce becomes rich and thick. 4. When the sauce is ready, add the ricotta and fresh basil leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Ricotta will add a creamy texture and delicate flavor, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes. 5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to boil them in salted water for better flavor. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and add it to the skillet over the flavored sauce. 6. Toss the pasta in the tomato and ricotta sauce, ensuring that each piece of penne is well coated. Serve immediately, with a few fresh basil leaves on top for an elegant look and extra flavor. Practical tips: - You can use any pasta shape you prefer, but penne is ideal for holding the sauce. - If you want to add a spicy note, you can sprinkle a little dried chili pepper in the sauce. - Substitute ricotta with another type of fresh cheese, such as mascarpone or cottage cheese, for a different variation. - This dish pairs wonderfully with a crunchy green salad and a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but make sure to peel and dice them. It may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired consistency. 2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? For a vegan version, you can replace ricotta with a vegan cheese or cashew cream. 3. How long can I keep this sauce? The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reuse it with other types of pasta or even as a filling for lasagna. Nutritional benefits: This dish is not only delicious but also healthy. Whole grain pasta is an excellent source of fiber, while tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Ricotta adds protein and calcium, making this recipe a balanced choice. Serving suggestion: Served with a glass of dry white wine or a fragrant herbal tea, this main dish becomes a refined meal. You can also add a few slices of toasted baguette with garlic butter to complete the culinary experience. Possible variations: For a more rustic atmosphere, you can add roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to the tomato sauce. Additionally, adding green or black olives can provide a salty and savory note. This recipe for penne in tomato sauce and ricotta is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Dare to experiment and bring your own variations, and each meal will be a new culinary discovery!

Ingredients

90 grams whole wheat penne
400 grams tomatoes in broth
30 grams fresh basil
100 grams ricotta
1 clove of garlic
sliced

Penne in tomato sauce and ricotta

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