Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tortiglioni with Vegetables and Ricotta is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy ricotta, and the texture of tortiglioni creates a well-balanced meal. The pasta’s ridges hold the ricotta beautifully, ensuring that each bite is creamy and full of flavor. It’s a quick, simple, and customizable dish that can be made with whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it both versatile and delicious!

Ingredients

12 oz tortiglioni pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 small eggplant, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
1/4 cup vegetable broth or pasta water (optional, for thinning the sauce)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortiglioni according to the package instructions, until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped zucchini, eggplant, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
Add Garlic and Onion:
- Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the vegetables and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is soft.
Combine the Ricotta and Vegetables:
- Lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a little vegetable broth or reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Stir to combine and heat through.
Toss with Pasta:
- Add the cooked tortiglioni to the skillet with the ricotta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Serve:
- Divide the pasta between serving plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Different Vegetables: You can use other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or peas depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
Add Protein: For extra protein, add cooked chicken, tofu, or beans.
Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free ricotta substitute and omit the Parmesan for a vegan version.
Add Nuts: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese in this dish?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like mascarpone, cream cheese, or even goat cheese for a different flavor. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store the pasta and sauce separately and reheat them together before serving.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, kale, peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy to this dish for added flavor and nutrition.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like—penne, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well with this sauce.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately. You can freeze the sauce for up to 1 month and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve it.

6. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even beans can be added to make this a more filling meal. Just toss it with the pasta and vegetables.

7. How do I make the sauce richer?

For a richer sauce, you can add a little more Parmesan cheese, or even a bit of heavy cream or butter to the ricotta mixture.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers.

9. Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used in place of fresh ones. Just thaw them and cook them until heated through before adding to the sauce.

10. How do I get the ricotta sauce to be creamier?

You can add a little extra heavy cream or a splash of milk to the ricotta mixture for a creamier texture.

Conclusion

Tortiglioni with Vegetables and Ricotta is a quick, healthy, and delicious pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The combination of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and creamy ricotta creates a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a protein addition, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.