Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines caramelized cherry tomatoes with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs. This comforting pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner that feels special without much effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Toss the tomatoes and garlic mixture together to ensure even coating.
5. Step 5: Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
6. Step 6: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
7. Step 7: Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 9-11 minutes for spaghetti or penne.
8. Step 8: While the pasta cooks, prepare the ricotta sauce by combining the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and lemon juice in a bowl.
9. Step 9: Once the pasta is al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
10. Step 10: Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it warm.
11. Step 11: When the roasted tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven and gently smash them with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
12. Step 12: Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices from the baking sheet to the pasta.
13. Step 13: Pour the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
14. Step 14: If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
15. Step 15: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
16. Step 16: Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra fresh basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes for varied sweetness and texture.
• Swap dried oregano with fresh thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when roasting tomatoes for a subtle heat.
• For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of cream or a pat of butter with the ricotta mixture.
• To make it vegetarian-friendly but adding protein, toss in cooked chickpeas or white beans.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Yes, you can use ripe Roma or vine tomatoes cut into chunks. Roasting time may vary slightly depending on their size and water content.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely. Just substitute the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and the rest of the ingredients remain the same.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring caramelized cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and a creamy ricotta sauce. Roasting the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the fresh basil and tangy lemon juice. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this pasta combines simple ingredients into a deliciously satisfying meal.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting and Boiling (Primary method: Roasting)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomato and Garlic Mixture

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Sauce

• 12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
2. Prepare Tomatoes: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
3. Add Seasonings: Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper on top.
4. Toss Mixture: Gently toss the tomatoes and seasonings together on the baking sheet to ensure each tomato is evenly coated.
5. Roast Tomatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
6. Boil Water: While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
7. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
8. Prepare Ricotta Sauce: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, and lemon juice to combine well.
9. Drain Pasta: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
10. Crush Tomatoes: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and gently press them with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
11. Add Tomatoes to Pasta: Combine the roasted tomatoes and their juices with the drained pasta in the pot.
12. Mix in Sauce: Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and toss everything thoroughly to combine.
13. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
14. Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and add extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to balance the flavors.
15. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with additional fresh basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Using cherry tomatoes ensures they roast quickly and caramelize nicely.
• Reserving pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce texture without thinning it too much.
• For a more intense garlic flavor, you can roast whole garlic cloves along with the tomatoes.
• Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note, but feel free to substitute or add parsley if preferred.
• This recipe can be made gluten free by using gluten-free pasta.

Keywords: roasted tomato pasta, ricotta pasta, garlic tomato pasta, easy Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe