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Baked Tomato Ricotta Pasta

A comforting, Mediterranean‑inspired baked pasta that combines creamy ricotta, bright tomato sauce, salty olives, and tender pasta all baked until bubbly and golden. This dish is hearty enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for guests.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 49 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian‑Inspired
Calories: 510

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Sauce
  • 12 oz 340 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 3 –4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup pitted olives Kalamata or green, halved
Ricotta Mix & Assembly
  • 15 –18 oz 425–500 g whole‑milk ricotta
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 –2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley chopped
  • cups shredded mozzarella plus extra for topping
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Strainer
  • Large skillet or saucepan
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente according to package directions; drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  4. Add pasta and simmer the sauce for 10–12 minutes until slightly thickened and stir in the halved olives, then remove the sauce from heat.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and chopped basil or parsley until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Spread half of the sauced pasta into the prepared baking dish. Dollop the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
  7. Top with the remaining sauced pasta and sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil.