Pasta With Marinara Sauce & Ricotta
Description
This hearty pasta dish combines the richness of creamy ricotta cheese with a robust, slightly spicy marinara sauce. Crisp bacon bits add a smoky depth, while fresh parsley brings a bright, herbaceous finish. It is a quick and satisfying meal that feels homemade and indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family dinner, this recipe balances savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors in every bite. The combination of warm sauce and cool ricotta creates a delightful texture contrast that keeps the dish interesting. Serve it immediately to enjoy the best flavors and textures.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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While pasta cooks, place diced bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until crisp, stirring occasionally.
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Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings from the saucepan.
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Add chopped onion and red pepper flakes to the bacon drippings in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Pour the marinara sauce into the saucepan with the onions. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Beat with a fork or whisk until smooth and creamy.
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Stir the chopped flat-leaf parsley into the ricotta mixture.
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Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
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Fold the crispy bacon back into the pasta and sauce mixture.
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Serve the pasta immediately, topped with generous dollops of the ricotta mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1124.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 84.6g131%
- Saturated Fat 45.5g228%
- Cholesterol 261.4mg88%
- Sodium 4271.9mg178%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.4g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
- Sugars 11.8g
- Protein 74.3g149%
* 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: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
Substitutions: You can use whole milk ricotta for a richer texture or substitute mozzarella if ricotta is unavailable. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sauting the onions.
Tip: Ensure the pasta is al dente so it doesn't become mushy when tossed with the sauce. Adding a splash of pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta better.
Variation: Add chopped spinach or fresh basil to the ricotta mixture for extra herbs and nutrients.
