Simple Homemade Creamy Tomato Ricotta Pasta

Ingredients

• •12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
• •2 tablespoons olive oil
• •3 cloves garlic, minced
• •1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• •1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• •1 teaspoon sugar
• •1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• •1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• •1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• •1/4 cup heavy cream
• •1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese + extra for serving
• •Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

2. 2

   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. 5

   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.

6. 6

   Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or black pepper if needed.

7. 7

   Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired.