Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

If you are looking for a vibrant and comforting meal packed with fresh flavors and creamy texture, the Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is an absolute winner. This dish brilliantly combines the natural sweetness of oven-roasted tomatoes and mellow garlic with the sumptuous creaminess of ricotta cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a simple, elegant Italian-inspired recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create a balanced and colorful dish. From the juicy tomatoes that roast into caramelized perfection to the fresh basil that brightens every bite, these staples are essential for your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta.

• Ripe medium vine tomatoes: Halved for roasting, these develop a rich, sweet flavor that’s at the heart of the sauce.
• Whole garlic head or cloves: Roasting softens the garlic’s pungency, turning it into a creamy, fragrant base.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the tomatoes and garlic caramelize beautifully in the oven.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or similar): Choose your favorite kind, cooked al dente to provide texture and structure.
• Pasta cooking water: Used to adjust the sauce consistency, thanks to its starch content.
• Chilli flakes (optional): A little heat to deepen the flavor profile without overpowering it.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy, delicate richness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds freshness and a gorgeous green color to the final dish.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an umami punch and extra indulgence.

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Preparing the Tomatoes and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven and prepping the tomatoes and garlic for roasting. Cut the tomatoes in half and slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle them with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper. The roasting process softens the garlic and intensifies the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, which creates the essential flavor foundation of your pasta sauce.

Step 2: Roasting to Perfection

Place the tomatoes and garlic on a baking dish and roast for approximately 20 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Then cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. This step is crucial to let the tomatoes blister and caramelize fully while the garlic turns luxuriously soft, making it easy to squeeze out for blending.

Step 3: Cooking the Pasta

While your tomatoes and garlic roast, cook the pasta in salted, boiling water until al dente. Make sure to reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Step 4: Blending the Sauce

Once roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins into a blender, add the tomatoes, fresh basil, chilli flakes if you want a touch of heat, ricotta cheese, and about a quarter cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is the heart of your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta, marrying all the flavors into one exciting bite.

Step 5: Combining and Finishing

Transfer the cooked pasta into a skillet and add the blended sauce. Toss over medium heat, adding more pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring every strand of pasta is perfectly coated and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese make the classic garnishes for this dish. They elevate the flavors beautifully, adding brightness and a salty kick that complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. These sides keep the meal balanced without overpowering the delicate sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, then drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for crunch. Add edible flowers or microgreens to bring a sophisticated, garden-fresh look that will wow your dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even better the next day.

Freezing

While the creamy ricotta sauce is best fresh, you can freeze the pasta without cheese for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh ricotta and basil when reheating to revive the dish.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little olive oil to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh tomatoes are preferred here for their natural sweetness and texture when roasted. However, if fresh tomatoes are out of season, you can use high-quality canned whole or cherry tomatoes, roasting them with garlic for a similar effect.

How spicy is this pasta with chili flakes?

The chili flakes add just a subtle warmth that enhances the overall flavors without being overpowering. You can adjust the quantity or omit them entirely depending on your spice tolerance.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by substituting ricotta with a plant-based alternative and skipping the parmesan or using a vegan cheese.

What type of pasta works best?

Long, thin pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine work wonderfully by holding the delicate sauce, but feel free to use any shape you love or have on hand. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni would also be delicious.

Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Yes, this recipe scales up easily. Just be sure to roast the tomatoes and garlic in a larger baking dish and cook the pasta in batches if needed, maintaining the same ratios for sauce ingredients.

Final Thoughts

If you want to create a cozy yet impressive meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is your go-to recipe. It’s straightforward, comforting, and bursting with vibrant flavors that make every bite memorable. I really hope you give this a try and discover just how effortlessly delicious simple ingredients can be when roasted and blended into something magical.