Description
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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Ingredients
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)
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!
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American