Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is an absolute weeknight hero—creamy, tangy, and bursting with juicy flavor in every bite. You get rich roasted tomatoes and garlicky goodness tumbled with velvety ricotta and fresh basil, all twirling together around your favorite noodles. It’s cozy, vibrant, and effortless, and I promise: once you try it, you’ll want to make it on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing complicated here—just a handful of honest ingredients that work together to create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each element adds its own magic, from the pop of sweet tomatoes to the creamy ricotta and fresh basil.

• Cherry Tomatoes (2 cups): Their natural sweetness intensifies as they roast, becoming the star of the show. Grape tomatoes work too!
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps caramelize the tomatoes—don’t skimp on the good stuff.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings depth and warmth that truly sets the sauce apart.
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): This classic Italian herb infuses every bite with earthy, herby flavor.
• Salt (1 teaspoon) & Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning every layer—taste and adjust as you go!
• Pasta (12 ounces): Choose spaghetti, penne, or whatever shape you love. Twirls and tubes both play nicely.
• Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): The base of your creamy, cloud-like sauce. Whole milk ricotta gives the best texture.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps the sauce cling to every noodle.
• Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped): Bright, aromatic, and a must for a pop of freshness at the finish.
• Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Just a splash keeps everything lively and perfectly balanced.

Variations

One of the best things about Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is how forgiving—and customizable—it is! Don’t be afraid to riff with what you have in the kitchen or tailor it to your own cravings or dietary needs.

• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a version everyone can enjoy.
• Add Greens: Toss in a handful of baby spinach or arugula just before serving for extra color and nutrients.
• Turn Up the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when roasting the tomatoes if you crave a little spicy kick.
• Make It Vegan: Swap ricotta for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan Parmesan for the same creamy comfort.
• Protein Boost: Top with shredded rotisserie chicken or crispy chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut your cherry tomatoes in half and spread them out, cut-side up, on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything until coated. Pop the tray into the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes—the tomatoes should be soft, sweet, and just starting to caramelize around the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions—typically about 9–11 minutes for spaghetti or penne—until it’s perfectly al dente. Remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining; this will help loosen the sauce later if you need it.

Step 3: Mix Up the Ricotta Sauce

While your pasta cooks and tomatoes roast, quickly whisk together the ricotta, grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and lemon juice in a bowl. This dreamy mixture will melt into your hot noodles, making everything luxuriously creamy and full of flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

When the tomatoes are finished, gently smash them with the back of a spoon to release all those sweet juices. Add both the tomatoes and their pan juices to your drained, hot pasta. Top with the ricotta mixture, and toss everything together until the sauce is smooth and coats every bite. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if you want to thin the sauce—stop when it feels just right.

Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve

Give your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta a big taste test! If it needs a little more salt, pepper, or brightness, adjust with extra lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pile into bowls, garnish as you like, and dive in while it’s piping hot.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Garnishes

This pasta loves a generous handful of chopped fresh basil and extra parmesan on top—just sprinkle right before serving for color, flavor, and a little bit of wow. A drizzle of really good olive oil or a scattering of toasted pine nuts can also make each bowl feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta with a crisp green salad (think arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shavings of parmesan) or buttery garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce. A plate of roasted or grilled vegetables is also a wonderful, colorful companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pasta family-style in a big, beautiful bowl for a relaxed dinner, or twirl individual portions into small nests for dinner party flair. Try topping each nest with a few extra roasted tomatoes and a perfect basil leaf for a professional touch—so simple, but so impressive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta will keep happily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken a bit as it chills, but it’s just as comforting on day two!

Freezing

While this pasta is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to a month. The texture of the ricotta may change slightly, but it will still taste delicious after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover loosely and stir midway for even heating. A sprinkle of fresh basil and parmesan perks everything right back up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for something comforting, fresh, and full of sunny flavor, Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is your answer. It’s pure joy in a bowl—easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for company. Give it a try soon, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new kitchen favorite!

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