Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Looking for a cozy yet light dinner packed with flavor? This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a dream come true. Sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes and caramelized garlic pair perfectly with creamy ricotta to create a luxurious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dish that feels fancy without the fuss.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting Yet Fresh – Creamy ricotta meets vibrant roasted tomatoes for the ultimate balance.
Simple Ingredients – Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
One Pan for Roasting – Minimal cleanup means more time to relax.
Customizable – Use your favorite pasta shape or add extra veggies for variety.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Works just as well for a quick lunch or a dinner party centerpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Tomato and Garlic:

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

For the Ricotta Sauce:

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fusilli work best)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for topping

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowl
• Large pot
• Fine grater or microplane
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, combine cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano.
4. Toss everything together and spread in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and garlic is golden and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
6. While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
8. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce
9. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
10. Mix until smooth and creamy.
11. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything
12. Once tomatoes and garlic are done, use a fork to gently mash some of the tomatoes and garlic right on the baking sheet.
13. Return the cooked pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
14. Add the roasted tomato-garlic mixture and stir to coat the pasta.
15. Add the ricotta mixture and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until creamy and everything is well combined.
16. Adjust consistency with more pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
17. Divide the pasta among bowls or plates.
18. Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
19. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, tangy, and savory bite.

Tips for Best Results
Use Room Temp Ricotta – It blends more easily with the other ingredients.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Al dente holds up better with the sauce.
Smash Roasted Garlic – Gives the sauce an irresistible sweetness and depth.
Fresh Basil Last – Stir in just before serving to keep the flavor bright.
Save the Pasta Water – It helps emulsify and bring everything together smoothly.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – For scooping up any extra sauce.
Green Salad – A light, zesty salad balances the richness of the dish.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – For extra protein if desired.
Roasted Veggies – Like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a hearty veggie twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Warm gently with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought ricotta?
   Yes! Just make sure it’s whole milk for a creamy texture.
2. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Absolutely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
3. Is it good cold as pasta salad?
   Surprisingly yes! It makes a great chilled pasta dish for picnics or potlucks.
4. What’s a good substitute for ricotta?
   Whipped cottage cheese or Greek yogurt (strained) work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is comfort food with a fresh twist. Creamy, tangy, and savory with the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes, it’s an irresistible dish that delivers every time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, it’s a pasta night winner.

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: 15g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 370mg

Print