Print

Roasted Tomato Garlic Ricotta Pasta

roasted tomato garlic ricotta pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and creamy pasta dish featuring roasted tomatoes and garlic blended with ricotta cheese, perfect for an easy homemade dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh tomatoes (Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 6–8 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Wash and halve the fresh tomatoes (quarter if large). Place cut side up on the baking sheet. Scatter peeled garlic cloves around the tomatoes.
  3. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  4. Roast tomatoes and garlic for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are soft and caramelized and garlic is golden and tender.
  5. While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  6. Once garlic is cool enough, squeeze softened cloves out of skins into a mixing bowl and mash into a smooth paste.
  7. Add roasted tomatoes to the bowl with mashed garlic. Pulse briefly in a food processor or blender for a smoother sauce, or leave chunky for rustic texture.
  8. Stir in 1 cup ricotta cheese until creamy and combined. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
  9. Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Fold in chopped fresh basil just before serving.
  10. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese immediately while warm.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce without watering down flavor. Mix ricotta off heat to avoid graininess. Roasting at high temperature caramelizes tomatoes and mellows garlic for best flavor. Use fresh ricotta without stabilizers for smoothest texture. Can substitute gluten-free pasta or vegan ricotta for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted tomato pasta, garlic ricotta pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy tomato pasta, weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/roasted-tomato-garlic-ricotta-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-idea/