Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Creamy, garlicky, and bursting with sweet roasted tomatoes, this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is comfort food at its finest. Perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends, it combines roasted vegetables with creamy ricotta for a flavor-packed dish that’s both easy and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion – Roasted tomatoes and garlic bring out deep, sweet, and savory notes.
Creamy & Light – Ricotta offers a creamy texture without being heavy.
Minimal Ingredients – Simple pantry staples shine with this delicious preparation.
Vegetarian-Friendly – Perfect for meatless meals and veggie lovers.
Customizable – Add protein, swap herbs, or choose your favorite pasta type.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Tomatoes & Garlic:
2 cups cherry tomatoes
6 cloves garlic, unpeeled
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Ricotta Sauce:
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp pasta cooking water (reserved)

For the Pasta:
12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti work well)
Salt for pasta water

For Garnish:
Fresh basil leaves, torn
Extra Parmesan for serving
Cracked black pepper
Drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet
Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowl
Colander
Food processor (optional for a smoother sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, combine cherry tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves.
Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered and garlic is softened.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Sauce
In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Squeeze the roasted garlic out of their skins and mash into the ricotta mixture.
Whisk until smooth. If desired, use a food processor for an ultra-creamy texture.
Stir in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the ricotta mixture and toss until well coated.
Gently fold in the roasted tomatoes, being careful not to break them up too much.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve pasta warm, topped with torn fresh basil, extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Enjoy immediately while it’s creamy and fresh!

Tips for Best Results
Use Good-Quality Ricotta – The better the ricotta, the creamier and more flavorful your sauce.
Don’t Skip the Garlic – Roasted garlic adds sweet depth that balances the tangy lemon and creamy cheese.
Toss While Warm – Warm pasta absorbs the ricotta sauce better, making every bite flavorful.
Add Protein – Grilled chicken, white beans, or sautéed mushrooms are great add-ins for extra protein.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – For a crunchy contrast and to mop up extra sauce.
Green Salad – A simple arugula or mixed greens salad balances the richness.
Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers pair beautifully with the pasta.
Iced Tea or Sparkling Lemonade – Refreshing drinks that complement the bright flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not ideal as ricotta can change texture, but the tomato mixture freezes well separately.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
   Yes! Use 1 tsp dried basil in the ricotta or as a garnish.
2. Is there a vegan version?
   You can substitute ricotta with a plant-based ricotta and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
3. Can I use different tomatoes?
   Yes, grape tomatoes or even chopped Roma tomatoes work well.
4. How can I make it gluten-free?
   Just swap the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety.
5. What can I use instead of lemon juice?
   A splash of white vinegar or a little white balsamic can offer similar brightness.

Final Thoughts
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is the ultimate blend of ease and elegance. With its creamy ricotta base, sweet roasted tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, it’s a weeknight hero that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 17g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 380mg

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