Olive Garden Penne Pasta W Tomatoes and Ricotta
Savor the comforting flavors of this Olive Garden-inspired Penne Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta, an easy-to-make dish that brings a taste of Italy to your table. This recipe combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with a robust tomato sauce bursting with the aroma of garlic, oregano, and fresh basil. A hint of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while creamy ricotta cheese dolloped on top offers a luxurious, velvety finish. With just 10 minutes of prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients like crushed tomatoes and dried herbs, this pasta dish is a quick yet elegant choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal from the comfort of your home!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and remove the skillet from heat.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Divide the pasta among serving plates. Dollop a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese on top of each portion.
Sprinkle with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
399 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.6 g | 24% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 36 mg | 12% | |
| Sodium | 700 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.6 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.5 g | ||
| Protein | 18.6 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 278 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 723 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
