Creamy Tomato Ricotta Penne: A Flavorful Delight! 🍅🧀

Creamy Penne with Tomatoes Recipe

🕒 Cook Time: 25 minutes | 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6

Description:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this creamy penne with tomatoes recipe, a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and savory seasonings. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also low in cholesterol, making it a healthy option for any mealtime. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delectable pasta dish in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh tomatoes, pureed
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup 2% low-fat milk
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:

   • Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients listed above.

2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:

   • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. Prepare Tomato Sauce:

   • Puree fresh tomatoes until smooth.
   • Add the pureed tomatoes to the saucepan with the sautéed onion and garlic.
   • Optionally, sprinkle in hot pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Simmer Sauce:

   • Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Add Herbs:

   • Stir in the chopped parsley and oregano, then remove the saucepan from the heat.

6. Prepare Creamy Ricotta Mixture:

   • In a blender, combine the ricotta cheese and low-fat milk.
   • Blend until smooth and creamy.

7. Combine Sauce and Ricotta:

   • Pour the creamy ricotta mixture into the saucepan with the tomato sauce.
   • Stir well to combine, creating a luscious creamy tomato sauce.

8. Cook Penne Pasta:

   • Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until tender.

9. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Drain the cooked penne pasta and toss it with the creamy tomato sauce until evenly coated.

10. Season and Serve:

    • Season the creamy penne with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Serve the dish hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 420.5
• Fat: 10.9g
• Saturated Fat: 4.9g
• Cholesterol: 25.4mg
• Sodium: 114.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 69.8g
• Fiber: 10.5g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 13.8g

Recipe Notes:

• This creamy penne with tomatoes recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with fiber and protein to keep you satisfied.
• Feel free to customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, for an extra boost of flavor and nutrients.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Enjoy the creamy goodness of this delectable penne pasta dish, perfect for any occasion!