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
Scale
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.
