Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and fresh dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes, the aromatic depth of garlic, and the creamy richness of ricotta cheese. Quick to prepare and versatile, this pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, offering vibrant flavors with minimal ingredients and effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes, halved
- 6–8 garlic cloves, peeled
- Handful of fresh basil leaves or herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or oregano)
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Pasta & Pantry Staples
- 8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or pasta of choice)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil for spice
Instructions
- Prep and Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the ripe tomatoes and peel the garlic cloves. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are tender, slightly caramelized, and garlic is soft.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine the Roasted Ingredients and Ricotta: Transfer the roasted tomatoes and garlic to a large bowl. Gently mash the garlic into the tomatoes to release its flavor. Add the ricotta cheese and drizzle with olive oil. Toss until creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce bowl and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with fresh basil or herbs of your choice. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the sweetest, most flavorful sauce.
- Don’t overcook pasta; al dente texture holds better with the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency to silky smooth.
- Spread tomatoes and garlic evenly on the baking sheet for uniform roasting.
- Add fresh herbs last to preserve their bright, fresh flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: roasted tomato pasta, garlic ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, gluten-free pasta, creamy tomato pasta