Penne with Parmesan, Fresh Ricotta, and Black Pepper

1. Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it is al dente, firm to the bite, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Check a piece to make sure it's just right. Once the pasta reaches the perfect texture, scoop out a cup of the cooking water and set it aside, then drain the pasta using a strainer.

2. Mix Pasta and Cheeses

Return the drained pasta to the pot and drizzle it with olive oil. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh ricotta cheese, and a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together gently. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cheeses, enveloping each piece in a creamy, luscious sauce.

3. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning

If the sauce seems too thick, you can loosen it up by adding a little of the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until it coats the pasta evenly. Finally, taste the pasta and add salt if needed.

4. Serve

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if you like a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish that lets the quality of its ingredients shine through.