No Cook Tomato Basil Sauce
A fresh, no-cook tomato basil sauce with creamy ricotta, perfect for quick, flavorful summer pasta dishes enjoyed by family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped tomatoes, chopped basil, minced onion, and crushed garlic in a large bowl.
- Stir in low-fat ricotta cheese and extra virgin olive oil until well mixed.
- Toss your favorite hot pasta with the sauce, coating it evenly, and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fresher flavor, choose the ripest tomatoes you can find; heirloom varieties work wonderfully. If you're short on time, consider using canned San Marzano tomatoes as a substitute. You can also swap the Ricotta for cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for a different texture and taste. Adjust the garlic to your preference, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serving Suggestions
This no-cook tomato basil sauce is best served with your favorite hot pasta, such as spaghetti or penne. For a balanced meal, pair it with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. It also complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it can alter the texture of the ricotta and make the sauce watery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Cook Tomato Basil Sauce contains roughly 606 calories, with 8g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 766mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to toss it with the pasta. The flavors will meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
While this sauce pairs well with any pasta, long noodles like spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the sauce nicely. You can also try it with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be added to the dish for extra protein. Just toss them in with the pasta and sauce for a satisfying meal that still highlights the fresh tomato and basil flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).