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This is the archived version of the Milk Street website and is no longer up to date.

Please visit 177milkstreet.com to see the current website with all of the latest recipes!

Pasta with Ricotta, Tomatoes and Herbs

4 Servings

45 minutes

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A family owned restaurant that opened in 1936, Felice a Testaccio in Rome is known for serving up traditional fare, including tonnarelli cacio e pepe. But it was the spaghetti alla Felice that caught our attention during a recent visit. Piping-hot, just-drained al dente pasta was tossed with grape tomatoes, olive oil, a mixture of fresh herbs and ricotta cheese. The dish was creamy but not at all heavy, and the bright, fresh flavors and textures were simple and elegant. Adapting the recipe, we learned that good-quality whole-milk ricotta is key. Look for a brand made without gums or stabilizers; it will taste purer and sweeter and have a superior texture. As for the herbs, use a mix of a few types listed in the recipe to achieve a wide spectrum of flavors, from anise sweetness to menthol freshness, hints of citrus to earthy, woodsy notes. If you choose to add marjoram and/or oregano, do so sparingly, as they are very assertive herbs.

4

Servings

Tip

Don’t use more than 7 cups of water to boil the pasta. It’s a scant amount, but intentionally so. The pasta cooking water is added to the sauce and noodles as they’re tossed; its starchiness loosens the sauce and helps it cling to the linguine.

45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2

    pints grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

  • ¼

    teaspoon white sugar

Directions

Reviews
Mark R.
July 27, 2025
Delicious
This was outstanding and simple to prepare. Our family requested that it become a summer staple.
Jennifer B.
May 7, 2025
So easy and delicious
Fantastic sauce, really great side.
sean s.
November 24, 2024
Creamy and delicious
The family loved it.
Sheila B.
August 7, 2024
Fast, Easy, Light, and Delicious!
Will definitely include this in my rotation. Made it with fresh, in-season basil and in-season cherry tomatoes (which didn't need as much sugar, but I know it helps with maceration).
Teri G.
July 21, 2024
Teri
Very good. Took me about 25 minutes to prepare only fixed half the recipe as there were just 2 of us and we were fighting over the last strand. Used mint, basil and oregano as the herbs because that is what I grow.

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