Evolution of Classic Tomato Basil Pasta with Herbed Ricotta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A modern take on Italian pasta, featuring a slow-simmered tomato base, house-made herbed ricotta, and a touch of aged balsamic for depth, honoring tradition while evolving flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 65 minutes pairs spaghetti, San Marzano tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup fresh basil, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand) to the skillet, then simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a sauce consistency. Stir in 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar and remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup ricotta cheese with 2 tbsp fresh parsley. Toss the drained pasta with the tomato sauce, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if needed to emulsify. Top with ricotta mixture and extra basil before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Evolution of Classic Tomato Basil Pasta with Herbed Ricotta take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Evolution of Classic Tomato Basil Pasta with Herbed Ricotta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Evolution of Classic Tomato Basil Pasta with Herbed Ricotta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Evolution of Classic Tomato Basil Pasta with Herbed Ricotta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Evolution of Classic Tomato Basil Pasta with Herbed Ricotta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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