Pici with Cherry Tomatoes and Ricotta with Lemon Aroma
- Average
- 1 h 25 min
Pasta with ricotta and cherry tomatoes is a classic from Southern Italy, especially popular in places like Campania and Puglia. And look, this dish is all about freshness and simplicity—just a few elements and you've got something really special. So here's the thing: in the summer, when sweet cherry tomatoes are at their peak, this dish just shines. The sauce? It's a creamy mix of smooth ricotta and a quick tomato pan sauce. Really, each noodle soaks up the flavorful goodness. And you know what? It's a go-to for anyone who loves Italian pasta dishes that are rustic yet comforting.
This dish is super versatile—which is great. Across Southern Italy, folks often switch up the pasta types, using local favorites like cavatelli or pici. These hold onto the tender sauce beautifully. Sometimes, roasted tomatoes are added for a deeper taste, or it's served cold. And pretty much a standout among easy pasta recipes. The ricotta pasta recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner. Plus, fresh basil adds a splash of color and an herby punch, really bringing the whole cherry tomato pasta dish together.
Every forkful combines tangy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and that perfect pasta chew. And what makes it so appealing? Its ability to fit any occasion. It's light enough for hot summer days and rich enough to warm you up when it's cooler. For anyone looking for quick dinner ideas or delicious vegetarian pasta meals, this dish is a winner—no question. It's pure and simple food, celebrating local ingredients and Italian tradition in every golden bite. Whether you're in the mood for something quick or a leisurely dinner with friends, pasta with ricotta and cherry tomatoes offers a taste of Italy that's really, really hard to resist.
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To prepare the pasta with ricotta and cherry tomatoes, first cut the scallion into slices 1. Halve both the cherry tomatoes 2 and the datterini 3.
In a saucepan, pour the oil and the scallion 4 and let it stew for a couple of minutes, then add the cherry tomatoes 5 and the datterini 6.
Salt and pepper 7, stir 8, and cook over medium heat with the lid on for about 10 minutes 9. In the meantime, cook the pasta in boiling salted water.
After the cooking time for the cherry tomatoes, turn off the heat and set aside some whole cherry tomatoes for plating 10. Blend the rest of the cherry tomatoes with an immersion blender 11, then sift the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve 12.
Pour the sauce obtained into the pan with the heat off 13 and add the cow's milk ricotta 14. Scent with fresh basil and give it a good stir to mix everything 15.
Drain the pasta al dente and transfer it directly into the sauce 16. Mix with Pecorino Romano 17, a sprinkle of pepper, and your pasta with ricotta and cherry tomatoes is ready to be served 18!