Name: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 450g (1 pound) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved; 1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled); 30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 225g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice); Pasta cooking water (adjust to desired consistency); 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional); 120g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese; Handful fresh basil leaves; Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, for serving

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This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes, the richness of garlic, and the creamy smoothness of ricotta cheese. It’s a simple, yet satisfying dinner that’s perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests. The combination of roasted tomatoes and garlic creates a savory, aromatic base, while the ricotta cheese adds a luscious, creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s an easy recipe that’s packed with Italian-inspired flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is perfect for anyone who loves comforting Italian flavors. The roasted tomatoes bring a rich, caramelized sweetness, while the garlic softens into a mellow, sweet flavor, creating a perfect pairing with the creamy ricotta. Tossed together with pasta, this dish is a satisfying, flavorful meal that can be made in just 40 minutes. The best part? It’s easily customizable with your choice of pasta, making it a versatile dish that can suit all tastes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this pasta is sure to become a favorite!

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Ingredients

450g (1 pound) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved
1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled)
30ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
225g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
Pasta cooking water (adjust to desired consistency)
1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
120g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese
Handful fresh basil leaves
Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, for serving

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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Prepare the tomatoes and garlic: Place halved tomatoes on a baking dish. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves, and place it next to the tomatoes. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover the dish with kitchen foil, and place it back in the oven for another 10 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and caramelized, and the garlic is soft.
Cook the pasta: While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, cook the pasta al dente in heavily salted water according to package instructions. Reserve about 240ml (1 cup) of pasta cooking water before draining.
Make the sauce: Once roasted, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of the skin and transfer them to a blender along with the roasted tomatoes, basil leaves, and chili flakes (if using). Add the ricotta cheese and about 60ml (1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta cooking water, then blend until smooth.
Combine with pasta: In a large skillet, combine the blended tomato mixture with the cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Heat over medium heat until heated through. Add more pasta cooking water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 to 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even better the next day.
Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta cooking water to bring it back to the right consistency. Stir until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cream cheese, mascarpone, or even goat cheese for a different flavor. Ricotta’s creamy texture is key, so choose a cheese with a similar consistency.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned tomatoes work well in this recipe, especially when fresh tomatoes are not in season. Use high-quality whole or crushed tomatoes and adjust the roasting time accordingly.

Can I make this pasta dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the ricotta and parmesan and substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What pasta can I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Choose a pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy sauce well.

How can I make this dish spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve and toss it with the pre-made sauce.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

The pasta is al dente when it is firm to the bite, but not hard. Follow the package instructions for the cooking time and taste it a minute or two before the recommended time to check for doneness.

Can I add more vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the pasta for added texture and flavor. Just cook them along with the tomatoes or separately and toss them in before serving.

Conclusion

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish that combines fresh ingredients into a rich and creamy meal. With sweet roasted tomatoes, mellow garlic, and creamy ricotta, this pasta is both satisfying and easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Try it today and enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of this Italian-inspired pasta!