Pasta With Marinara Sauce & Ricotta

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.

Cooking Method: Boiling

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 1124.7

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

3 sl Bacon; diced
1 Onion; chopped
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 Jar (14oz) Marinara Sauce
15 ounce Part-Skim Ricotta Cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese *
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
1/4 cup Flat-leaf Parsley; chopped
1 pound Pene or Ziti; cooked

Directions

1
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.
2
While pasta cooks, place diced bacon in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook until crisp, stirring occasionally.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
Stir the chopped flat-leaf parsley into the ricotta mixture.
8
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.
9
Fold the crispy bacon back into the pasta and sauce mixture.
10
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.

Keywords: pasta, marinara, ricotta, bacon, italian, dinner, easy, weeknight, cheese, sauce, comfort food, vegetarian option, quick meal, family friendly, ziti, parsley, parmesan

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pasta-with-marinara-sauce-ricotta/