Luscious Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Summer’s bounty shines in this roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Ripe tomatoes caramelize with fragrant garlic, releasing deep, sweet notes that mingle beautifully with creamy ricotta.

Mediterranean sunshine practically dances through each vibrant bite of this simple dish.

Fresh herbs scattered across the surface add a bright, aromatic dimension that lifts the entire meal.

Robust ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that feels both rustic and elegant.

Weeknight cooking becomes a delightful adventure with this uncomplicated yet sophisticated recipe.

Let these irresistible ingredients inspire you to create something truly memorable at your dinner table.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta: Why It’s a Must-Try

• Perfect weeknight pasta dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal.
• Requires just 10 minutes of hands-on time, with the oven doing most of the work while you relax or prepare other tasks.
• Roasting concentrates tomato sweetness and caramelizes garlic, creating deep, complex flavors without complicated techniques.
• Easy to customize by adding protein like chicken or keeping vegetarian, appealing to different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients Breakdown for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy base for the pasta sauce, look for ripe, vibrant red tomatoes with firm skin.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor, choose fresh garlic cloves for the most intense taste.

• Oregano: Adds Mediterranean herb profile, dried oregano works best for roasting.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use sea salt or kosher salt for better taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and depth, freshly ground pepper recommended.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick, great for adding heat to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps roast vegetables and adds richness, extra virgin olive oil preferred for best flavor.

Pasta Night with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Made Simple

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Tomato Flavor Explosion

• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional for extra kick)
• Minced garlic

Toss everything so each tomato gets a delicious coating of seasonings.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Let the tomatoes roast and transform for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they look beautifully blistered and have softened into juicy little flavor bombs.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

While tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until it reaches al dente texture. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water for later magic.

Step 5: Create Creamy Ricotta Sauce

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cracked black pepper

Stir until smooth and inviting.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the roasted tomatoes. Gently fold in the creamy ricotta mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky texture.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of good olive oil, and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy your flavor-packed pasta!

Expert Notes on Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

• Boost Tomato Flavor: Roast cherry tomatoes at high heat to intensify their natural sweetness and create a caramelized, rich taste profile.
• Garlic Infusion Technique: Scatter minced garlic with tomatoes during roasting to develop a deeper, mellower garlic flavor without burning.
• Maximize Herb Potential: Use fresh oregano if available for a more vibrant and aromatic herb experience compared to dried herbs.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-based version of the dish.
• Cheese Flexibility: Replace ricotta with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream for a vegan-friendly option that maintains creamy texture.

How to Keep Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta for Later

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Keep ricotta and roasted tomatoes separate from pasta to maintain texture and prevent sogginess when storing.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to restore moisture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and distribute heat evenly.
• Microwave can make pasta tough and dry, so stovetop reheating is recommended for best taste and texture.

What Goes Well with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

• Unlock a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich ricotta and complements the roasted tomatoes’ sweetness, creating a refreshing balance on your palate.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved parmesan to add a peppery crunch that brightens the creamy pasta and echoes its vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
• Serve warm, toasted sourdough bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil to soak up the roasted tomato juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft pasta.
• Add a bubbly Italian sparkling wine that cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the dish’s aromatic garlic and herb notes with its effervescent charm.

Fresh Variations of Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

• Vegan Veggie Pasta: Replace ricotta with cashew cream cheese, use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and swap cherry tomatoes with roasted bell peppers and zucchini for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Garden Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta, keep the roasted tomato and garlic method, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, maintain the roasted tomato and garlic technique, and top with dairy-free or regular ricotta based on dietary needs.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add fresh basil and thyme to the roasted tomatoes, incorporate kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Roasted Tomato And Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta brings Mediterranean warmth to your dinner table with minimal effort. Rich flavors merge effortlessly, creating a simple yet elegant Italian-inspired dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
• 2 cups (300 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and heating the oven to a robust 400F (200C), creating an ideal roasting environment.
2. Distribute cherry tomatoes across the sheet, generously coating them with olive oil and sprinkling a harmonious blend of oregano, salt, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
3. Scatter minced garlic throughout the tomatoes, gently tossing to ensure each morsel is evenly seasoned and glistening with aromatic oil.
4. Transfer the prepared tomatoes to the preheated oven, allowing them to roast and transform for 20-25 minutes until they develop a beautiful blistered exterior and soft, concentrated interior.
5. While tomatoes roast, cook pasta in generously salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente texture, capturing the perfect balance between tenderness and firmness.
6. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid to help create a silky sauce.
7. In a separate bowl, blend ricotta cheese with fresh herbs, creating a creamy base that will complement the roasted tomatoes.
8. Gently fold the roasted tomatoes and their caramelized juices into the prepared pasta, ensuring each strand is lovingly coated.
9. Incorporate the herbed ricotta mixture, using reserved pasta water to achieve a luxurious, smooth consistency.
10. Finish the dish with a final sprinkle of fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added depth and brightness.

Notes

• Choose ripe, vibrant cherry tomatoes for the most intense flavor and natural sweetness during roasting.
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity if your tomatoes are slightly tart or not fully ripened.
• Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or thyme to customize the roasted tomato profile and add complexity to the dish.
• For a dairy-free version, swap ricotta with cashew cream or tofu-based cheese alternative to maintain the creamy texture while accommodating plant-based diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg