Pasta With Marinara Sauce And Ricotta
Description
This Pasta With Marinara Sauce And Ricotta is a hearty, family-friendly meal that balances the crisp smokiness of bacon with the creamy richness of fresh ricotta. The dish features penne or ziti tossed in a vibrant, simmered marinara sauce infused with red pepper flakes and onions. A dollop of seasoned ricotta, mixed with sharp Parmesan and fresh parsley, adds a luxurious texture and tangy contrast to each bite. It is an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together quickly but tastes like it has been simmering all day. Serve this warm and inviting dish to satisfy hungry crowds with minimal effort, making it a reliable favorite for busy evenings when you crave authentic Italian flavors without the fuss.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp and browned.
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Drain the bacon on paper towels. Return the skillet to the heat, discarding all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings.
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Add the chopped onion and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Pour in the marinara sauce and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors.
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While the sauce simmers, in a mixing bowl, beat together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Fold the chopped flat-leaf parsley into the ricotta mixture.
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Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the marinara sauce and bacon. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
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Serve the pasta hot, passing the ricotta mixture on the side for each person to add to their bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1058.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 80.3g124%
- Saturated Fat 42.8g214%
- Cholesterol 248.2mg83%
- Sodium 1602.8mg67%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.3g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 11.7g
- Protein 69.0g138%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Variations: For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone along with the ricotta. You can also add cooked sausage or ground beef to the bacon and onion mixture for extra protein.
Tips: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes superior to pre-grated cheese. If your ricotta is very watery, drain it in a cheesecloth for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure a creamy texture in the final dish.
pasta, marinara, ricotta, bacon, italian, dinner, penne, ziti, cheese, parmesan, quick, easy, family, tomato sauce, comfort food, weeknight
