Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a perfect blend of rich, creamy textures and fresh, vibrant flavors. The roasted tomatoes bring a sweet and smoky depth, while the garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth. Combined with the creamy ricotta, this pasta dish feels indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or looking for a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes

  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 12 oz pasta of choice (such as spaghetti or penne)

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Place the cherry tomatoes and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

  3. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and starting to burst.

  4. While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

  5. Once the tomatoes and garlic are roasted, remove them from the oven. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted tomatoes, garlic, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan. Mash everything together gently, adding a little of the reserved pasta water to help create a creamy sauce.

  6. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.

  7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes

  • Cooking time: 30 minutes

  • Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

  • Add protein: To make this dish more substantial, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for extra protein.

  • Spicy kick: For some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce or roast a small chili pepper alongside the tomatoes.

  • Vegan version: Swap the ricotta and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives to make this dish vegan-friendly.

  • Vegetable boost: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra vegetables and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to keep the sauce creamy. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of tomatoes besides cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use other tomatoes, like Roma or grape tomatoes, though cherry tomatoes tend to roast the best, becoming sweet and juicy.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While it’s best to make the sauce fresh for the best texture, you can roast the tomatoes and garlic ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Combine with the ricotta just before serving.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the roasted tomatoes before cooking or stir them into the sauce at the end for extra heat.

4. Can I freeze this pasta dish?

While the pasta itself doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the roasted tomato and ricotta sauce. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw and reheat, then toss with fresh pasta.

5. Can I substitute ricotta with another cheese?

Yes, you can use cream cheese, mascarpone, or even goat cheese as an alternative to ricotta for a different flavor profile.

6. Is there a gluten-free version of this pasta?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta.

7. What kind of pasta should I use?

This recipe works well with any pasta shape like spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Choose your favorite!

8. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would pair beautifully with the tomato and ricotta sauce.

9. How can I make the dish more flavorful?

Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the roasted tomatoes for added tang, or stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.

10. Can I make this pasta dish in a one-pot format?

Yes, you can cook the pasta directly in the sauce after adding some pasta water to the roasted tomatoes and ricotta. Let the pasta absorb the sauce for a few minutes for a one-pot meal.

Conclusion

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that brings the comforting flavors of creamy ricotta and sweet roasted tomatoes together in perfect harmony. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with your favorite ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, delicious bowl of pasta!

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Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

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  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and ricotta cheese. The sweet and smoky roasted tomatoes paired with the creamy ricotta make this pasta recipe a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties. Simple to make yet full of flavor, it’s a versatile dish you can customize to suit your taste.

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes

4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

12 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place the cherry tomatoes and garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

  • Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and starting to burst.

  • While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

  • Once the tomatoes and garlic are roasted, remove them from the oven. In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted tomatoes, garlic, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan. Mash everything together gently, adding a little of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.

  • Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to combine. If needed, add more pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.

  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

For added protein, consider topping with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage.

  1. If you prefer a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes or roast a small chili pepper with the tomatoes.

  2. For a vegan version, swap out ricotta and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives.

  3. To boost the veggie content, add spinach, zucchini, or kale to the pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Roasting, Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian

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