This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Simple Ricotta Pasta is a healthy, fast, and easy recipe that will become your savior on busy weeknights. One pot, a tub of ricotta, and veggies are all you need to get this creamy ricotta cheese pasta on your table in just 20 minutes.

a photo of a white plate topped with low fat ricotta pasta

Why You’ll Love This Ricotta Cheese Pasta Recipe

  • Quick and Easy. Because not every night is a night for Red Wine Braised Short Ribs! This 20-minute ricotta pasta makes weeknight meals a breeze and it all comes together in a single pot (like these other One Pot Meals).
  • Pantry Staples. Like Penne Alla Vodka and Homemade Hamburger Helper, this creamy ricotta pasta recipe combines ingredients that require little-to-no prep work and you can keep stocked in your freezer or pantry for emergency last-minute dinners.
  • Creamy But Not Heavy. We love a creamy, cheesy pasta, but sometimes they leave you feeling weighed down and ugh. Ricotta pasta packs in all that creaminess, but it won’t leave you feeling uncomfortably full. (For another creamy pasta delight, check out Chicken Alfredo Bake).
  • Packed With Veggies. To make this ricotta cheese pasta dish more satisfying and nutritious, we pack in LOTS of veggies. I use artichokes, red peppers, and spinach, but feel free to use this recipe to clean out your crisper drawer!
a pot or ricotta pasta with red peppers and artichokes

5 Star Review

“This recipe was SO good! My husband couldn’t get enough of it. We will definitely be making this again!”

— Katie —

How to Make Ricotta Pasta

The Ingredients

  • Pasta. Whole wheat pasta lends a subtle nuttiness to the pasta, along with extra fiber and whole grain goodness. Ricotta pasta with shells, rigatoni, or ziti would all be equally fantastic. I do not recommend long pasta, like spaghetti.
  • Frozen Artichokes. While canned or marinated artichoke hearts are great for recipes like this Mediterranean Shrimp or Spinach Artichoke Mac and Cheese, I love using frozen artichokes in this simple recipe because it lets their natural flavors really shine. If you can’t find them, canned artichokes work too.
  • Ricotta. I always reach for part-skim ricotta when making this recipe. However, you could opt for low fat or whole milk ricotta if you prefer. Just don’t use fat-free. It lacks the flavor and richness this creamy ricotta pasta demands.
  • White Wine Vinegar. Lends a little acidity to balance the creamy ricotta. If you don’t keep white wine vinegar stocked in your pantry, you may swap for white balsamic vinegar, champagne vinegar, or lemon juice.
  • Roasted Red Peppers. Pair perfectly with the artichokes and make this dish taste like it’s straight from the Mediterranean (like this Italian Farro Salad).
  • Capers. For a touch of salty, briny Italian flavor (as in this Italian Tuna Salad). Don’t have capers on hand? Try swapping for an equal amount of finely chopped green olives (Castelvetrano olives are my personal favorite).
  • Garlic + Dijon Mustard. Gives this dish just the right amount of zip.
  • Red Pepper Flakes. Adds a little spark of heat.
  • Parsley. For freshness and color. You can use fresh basil leaves instead if you prefer.
  • Parmesan. To finish this easy pasta dish with a final flourish of cheese because more cheese is always good when it involves pasta (e.g. Italian Mac and Cheese).

The Directions

a pot of artichoke hearts in water
  1. Boil. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta and frozen artichokes until tender.
a pot of cooked pasta and artichokes
  1. Drain. Drain and return the pasta and artichokes to the pot.
creamy ricotta cheese in a mixing bowl with herbs and spices
  1. Make the Ricotta Sauce. Stir or whisk together the ricotta mixture.
a pot with cooked pasta, herbed ricotta, and artichokes
  1. Combine. Add the ricotta to the pasta.
a saucepan with cooked pasta, ricotta sauce, and cooked whole wheat pasta
  1. Finish. Toss in the remaining ingredients. Stir and serve with Parmesan. ENJOY!

Recipe Variations

  • Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture. Swap the vinegar for lemon juice. Squeeze lemon juice over the top if desired.
  • Ricotta Pasta with Arugula. For another veggie boost, stir a few handfuls of arugula in with the red peppers, allowing the heat of the pasta to wilt the arugula. Combine with the above method for a Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula.
  • Tomato Ricotta Pasta. Stir in 1/3 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Ricotta Pasta with Shrimp. Saute 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil and garlic. Stir into the pasta at the end, or serve along side (or, for a crispy version, serve with Air Fryer Shrimp).
  • Ricotta Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli. Stir in 1 cup cooked shredded rotisserie chicken and 1 cup cooked broccoli. Certainly. I love that this is a vegetarian ricotta pasta, but if you (or someone at your table) has to have meat with every meal, you could add Grilled Chicken Breast, Baked Salmon in Foil, or Baked Turkey Meatballs.
  • Vegan Ricotta Pasta. Swap traditional ricotta cheese for your favorite store-bought or homemade plant-based variety.

Wine Pairing

To pair with the artichokes and creamy ricotta cheese, I suggest trying a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chablis.

Storage Tips

  • To Store. This ricotta cheese pasta may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • To Freeze. Leftover ricotta pasta may be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • To Reheat. Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat, in a covered pot with a lid, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you may also microwave until steaming.

Storage Tips

If you are preparing this recipe with plans to freeze it, I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly. This will help the pasta not become mushy or overcooked once thawed and reheated.

creamy ricotta pasta on a plate

What to Serve with Ricotta Pasta

  • Large Pot. This one-pot meal is PACKED with healthy ingredients, thus, it requires one BIG pot to hold all of its yummy goodness.
  • Colander. For draining the artichokes and al dente penne pasta.
  • Mixing Bowl. For whipping up the perfectly seasoned herbed ricotta sauce.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Using Canned Artichokes. I buy frozen artichokes at Trader Joe’s but you can typically find them at most grocery stores in the frozen vegetables aisle. In a pinch, you could swap for canned or jarred artichoke hearts (packed in water NOT oil). If you make this swap, add them at the end with the roasted red peppers rather than with the boiling pasta.
  • Don’t Reserve the Pasta Water. Sometimes when making pasta you will see that a recipe calls for reserved pasta water. This helps keep your pasta moist and creamy. No need to keep the starchy pasta water for this recipe the ricotta does all of the work for you.
  • Make It Your Own. This is a recipe that’s easy to customize with seasonal produce, your favorite herbs and spices, and different proteins. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit!
a plate with healthy ricotta and spinach pasta

Ricotta Pasta

4.72 from 14 votes
This easy and creamy ricotta pasta recipe is a one-pot dinner that's on the table in just 20 minutes. Packed with veggies and so much flavor!

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 – 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (12-ounce) package whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 (9-ounce) packages frozen artichoke hearts thawed
  • 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese (OK to substitute low fat or even whole milk ricotta, but do not use fat free)
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar white balsamic vinegar, or champagne vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 4 cloves)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 (12-ounce jar) roasted red bell peppers drained and thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons capers rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. With 2 minutes remaining in the pasta cook time, add artichoke hearts.
  • Drain, then return the artichokes and pasta to the pot.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, basil, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  • Pour the ricotta cheese mixture over pasta.
  • Add sliced red peppers, capers, and parsley. Stir pasta gently to coat. Serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Video

Notes

  • TO STORE: This healthy ricotta pasta may be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • TO FREEZE: Leftover ricotta pasta may be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • TO REHEAT: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, in a covered pot with a lid, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you may also microwave until steaming.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 306kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 19gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 38mgPotassium: 616mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1797IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 440mgIron: 3mg

Join today and start saving your favorite recipes

Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.

Sign Me Up

Related Recipes

Try one of these other healthy, vegetarian pasta recipes perfect for busy weeknights.

Did you try this recipe?

I want to see!

Follow @wellplated on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #wellplated. I love to know what you are making!

You May Also Like

Free Email Series
Sign Up for FREE Weekly Meal Plans
Each includes a grocery list, budget, and 5 healthy dinners, helping you save time, save money, and live better!

Erin Clarke

Hi, I'm Erin Clarke, and I'm fearlessly dedicated to making healthy food that's affordable, easy-to-make, and best of all DELISH. I'm the author and recipe developer here at wellplated.com and of The Well Plated Cookbook. I adore both sweets and veggies, and I am on a mission to save you time and dishes. WELCOME!

Learn more about Erin

Leave a Comment

Did you make this recipe?

Don't forget to leave a review!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating





21 Comments

Leave a comment

  1. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen frozen artichoke hearts…huh! Must find because this is a must make! :)

    1. Hey Nicole! I buy mine at Trader Joe’s, but I see them called for in a variety of recipes, so I think they are fairly available. Maybe just keep an eye out in the freezer section?

  2. This recipe was SO good! My husband couldn’t get enough of it and his Italian roots were going crazy for the ricotta. We added a side of chicken because the hubby HAS to have meat at all meals, and it was delicious. We will definitely be making this again!5 stars

    1. Katie, I’m so, so excited to hear that you and your husband enjoyed this recipe! Appealing to someone’s Italian roots is just about the best compliment I could wish for :) Thanks for taking time to share your review, and again I’m so thrilled you liked it!

  3. As always your recipes are spot on! Loved this a lot, I ended up adding more garlic but that’s just me. This is the third recipe of yours I’ve made and can’t wait to try the rest! 5 stars

    1. This makes my day! I’m so glad you are enjoying my recipes so far, and I hope you love the next one too. Thank you!

  4. This looks absolutely delicious, and I am lucky to have some ricotta cheese in the fridge leftover from making a lasagna a couple days ago – YAY! Unfortunately I don’t have any vinegar. Do you think I could omit it? Or are there any substitutions that might work for this dish?

    1. Hi Cindy! I’m so glad you like the look of this recipe. The idea of the vinegar is to give the dish some acidity. I think a great substitution it would be fresh squeezed lemon juice. I hope that helps and that you enjoy it!

  5. The saving grace of Saturday night dinner! Today was honestly option (a) procrastination, but I still made a healthy meal thanks to your recipe. I had all the ingredients on hand (canned instead of frozen artichokes, dried instead of fresh parsley, spirals instead of penne pasta). My boyfriend and I enjoyed it very much. I always trust your spices, and he particularly liked the crushed red pepper flakes.  5 stars

    1. Amy, I’m always so happy to know that you enjoy my recipes. Thanks for trying this one and reporting back!

  6. Excited to try this one! Have you ever made it with any meat protein added? Trying to decide what to accompany it with… grilled chicken maybe?

  7. I love this recipe! I used gluten free penne and portioned it out for 5 lunches over the course of a week. The ricotta and artichoke combo is soooo creamy and feels indulgent while being nutritious and filling. Definitely making this again!5 stars

  8. Fantastic, quick, easy, and most definitely yummy! Full disclosure, I couldn’t stop trying tastes of the ricotta cheese mixture while I waited for the pasta to cook 😍 I could not find frozen artichokes so I used about 6oz of frozen chopped kale, came out yummy! Next time I’ll try for the artichokes.5 stars

  9. i liked the idea of a relatively low fat healthy pasta but found this to be grainy and bland. Not a keeper for us.2 stars

    1. I’m sorry this recipe wasn’t to your tastes, Charrington. I (and many other readers) have truly enjoyed it, so I wish you would’ve too!

  10. I just loved this recipe! I’m excited to try different variations – adding chicken or even salmon would be great and I think the sun dried tomatoes would be on point!5 stars