Cold Pasta with Ricotta and Cherry Tomatoes
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Casarecce pasta | 320g |
| Caciocavallo cheese | 200g |
| Pizzutelli tomatoes | 450g |
| Taggiasca olives | 50g |
| Fresh basil | 15g |
| Buffalo ricotta | 200g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 2 pieces |
| Sardinian tomatoes (Camone) | 220g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Preparation
-
Boil the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. This will be used to cook the casarecce pasta. Don’t forget to season the water with a pinch of salt for the best flavor. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool. -
-
Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, make the creamy sauce. In a food processor, combine the washed pizzutelli tomatoes, buffalo ricotta, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Season with fine salt and black pepper to taste. Blend until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. This will form the rich, flavorful base for your pasta. -
Prepare the Cheese and Tomatoes:
Next, take the caciocavallo cheese and carefully peel off the outer rind. Cut the cheese into small cubes to allow it to mix easily with the pasta and sauce.
Wash the Sardinian (Camone) tomatoes, remove their stems, and dice them into small chunks. The tomatoes add a burst of freshness and a slight sweetness to the dish. -
Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, pour the creamy ricotta-tomato sauce. Add the cooled casarecce pasta and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Then, add the diced caciocavallo cheese, the Sardinian tomatoes, and the taggiasca olives for added flavor and texture. Toss everything together until all ingredients are well incorporated. -
Serve:
Your cold pasta with ricotta and cherry tomatoes is now ready. You can either serve it immediately while it’s still slightly warm, or chill it in the refrigerator for an hour to enjoy it cold. Both options offer a delicious, refreshing dish perfect for a summer meal or a light lunch.
Tips
- For a more intense cheese flavor, consider adding a generous sprinkle of grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP on top before serving.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of olive oil or a spoonful of ricotta to the pasta right before serving.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or picnics.
Enjoy this vibrant and creamy Cold Pasta with Ricotta and Cherry Tomatoes, a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines fresh ingredients, creamy ricotta, and the refreshing sweetness of ripe tomatoes.
