If you’re craving a comforting yet fresh pasta dish that sings with flavor, this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Imagine juicy roasted tomatoes bursting with sweetness, mellow roasted garlic adding depth, and a luscious ricotta sauce that makes every bite irresistibly creamy. This dish strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and sophisticated taste, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe plays a starring role in creating a dish that’s vibrant, creamy, and packed with layers of flavor. These basic yet impactful elements come together to deliver a feast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 lb cherry or grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these tomatoes become incredibly flavorful once roasted.
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed: Roasting transforms garlic from sharp to soft and nutty, adding mellow complexity.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: A quality olive oil enhances the roasting process and rounds out the dish’s richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A fragrant herb that lends a touch of earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick, but feel free to skip if you prefer mild flavors.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy heart of the sauce, it brings a light and silky texture.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp and nutty, it perfectly complements the ricotta and roasted tomato flavors.
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice): Your canvas—choose your favorite shape to soak up the sauce.
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Bright and herbaceous, it adds freshness and color at the end.
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a bright finish): A sprinkle of zest delivers an uplifting citrus note to balance the richness.
How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss those sweet cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Spread everything out on a baking sheet—space helps them roast evenly. Pop it in the oven and let those tomatoes burst open and the garlic soften beautifully over 20-25 minutes. This roasting step is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into an incredibly flavorful base.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Remember to save about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining because that liquid gold will help bring the sauce to a luscious, creamy consistency later on.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the grated Parmesan, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This blend is your creamy, dreamy sauce component, so mixing it well now makes the final assembly much easier and ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned and decadent.
Step 4: Combine All Components
When the tomatoes and garlic come out of the oven, transfer everything—including all those delicious juices—directly into the pot with the drained pasta. Stir in your ricotta mixture, then slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. The warm pasta water loosens the ricotta, creating a velvety cloak around each noodle that tastes like pure comfort.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off this gorgeous Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and if you’re feeling fancy, a zest of lemon for that unexpected pop of brightness. Serve it up immediately to enjoy every nuance of flavor at its freshest.
How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves not only bring a vibrant green color but also refresh the palate, making each bite lively and inviting. Adding extra Parmesan cheese on top amps up the savory notes, while lemon zest introduces a subtle citrus lift that cuts through the creaminess perfectly. These simple garnishes turn the dish from delicious to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that complement the earthy tomato flavor. A slice of crusty bread is also a fantastic side, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce and rounding out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta family-style in a large bowl sprinkled with fresh herbs for an inviting, casual feel or plate it individually and garnish with microgreens for a restaurant-worthy touch. You can even stuff the roasted tomatoes and ricotta mixture inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist that dazzles your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak up the sauce, so it might thicken; just loosen it up with a splash of water or olive oil when reheating to refresh that creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind that ricotta-based sauces can sometimes change texture after freezing, so it’s ideal to use this method only if you plan ahead.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a small amount of water or broth to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the pasta. Take care not to overheat, as ricotta can separate if cooked at too high a temperature.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry or grape tomatoes work best because of their sweetness and small size for roasting, you can experiment with roma or plum tomatoes cut into chunks. Just keep in mind they might require slight adjustments in roasting time.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the ricotta with a plant-based alternative like almond or cashew ricotta, and choose a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast. Roasting the garlic and tomatoes remains the same, so you’ll still get tons of flavor.
What pasta shapes work best?
Since the sauce is creamy but not too thick, pasta shapes like penne, spaghetti, farfalle, or fusilli all work beautifully as they hold the sauce well. Feel free to use your favorite pasta; the flavors will shine through.
Can I prepare the roasted tomatoes and garlic ahead of time?
Definitely! You can roast the tomatoes and garlic up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready, reheat gently before combining with the pasta and ricotta for quick assembly.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
Adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta makes for a wonderful protein boost without overpowering the delicate flavors. Toss them in when mixing the pasta and ricotta sauce for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day—simple yet packed with so much comforting flavor. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to impress guests, proving that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your go-to favorites!
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Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic combined with creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Cooked pasta is tossed with the roasted mixture to create a deliciously comforting meal, garnished with fresh basil and a hint of lemon zest for brightness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomato and Garlic
- 1 lb cherry or grape tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper, a pinch
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a bright finish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
- Roast Tomatoes and Garlic: On a large baking sheet, toss cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Spread them out evenly and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the garlic softens, releasing rich flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to help create the sauce later.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside for adding to the pasta.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the tomatoes and garlic are done roasting, transfer them, including all the roasted juices, into the pot with the drained pasta. Stir in the ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve a creamy, cohesive sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by garnishing with chopped fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest if using. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using cherry or grape tomatoes is preferred for their sweetness and quick roasting time.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency smoothly.
- Lemon zest adds a fresh, bright flavor that complements the richness of the dish.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with parsley or omitted if desired.
