Billy's Pasta Ricotta Recipe

Boil the pasta

Bring a large pot with 6 cups water and 1 tbsp salt to a rolling boil. Add 1 lb pasta and cook until very al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions), about 8–9 minutes depending on pasta shape. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.

Warm the sauce

While pasta cooks, pour 3 cups marinara into a medium saucepan and warm over low heat until just simmering. Keep warm on the lowest heat.

Cook the sausage

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Crumble and add 12 oz sausage (remove casings) and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a plate lined with paper towel and leave drippings in the pan.

Crisp the pepperoni & warm sliced meat

Add the 6 oz pepperoni slices to the same skillet and cook briefly (1–2 minutes) until edges curl and are slightly crisp. Remove to the plate with sausage. Quickly add the 4 oz sliced ham/meat to the pan just to warm through, about 30–45 seconds, then remove. Reserve all meats for assembly.

Prepare ricotta mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta, 1 egg, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella (reserve the rest for topping), and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Add 1/2 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp salt, plus 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Combine pasta with sauce & meats

Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the warmed marinara over pasta and add the cooked sausage, crisped pepperoni (reserve some pepperoni for topping if you like), and warmed sliced meat. Toss gently to combine. If the sauce seems thick, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to reach a saucy coating.

Layer with ricotta and cheese

Preheat the broiler (or oven to 400°F / 200°C if you prefer). Transfer the sauced pasta to an ovenproof baking dish (about 9x13 or similar). Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella and the remaining 3/4 cup grated Parmesan evenly on top. Optionally arrange reserved pepperoni slices over the top for presentation.

Melt & brown

Place the dish under the broiler about 6–8 inches from the element and broil until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned, about 3–5 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning). If using a 400°F oven, bake 12–15 minutes until cheese is melted and edges bubble, then you can broil 1–2 minutes for color.

Remove the pasta from the oven and let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle 1 tsp olive oil over the top and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and sliced basil if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, scooping portions so each gets sausage, pepperoni, sliced meat, and a generous amount of cheesy ricotta topping.