Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

When you pull a tray of roasted tomatoes and garlic from the oven, the rich, sweet aroma fills the kitchen, transforming it into a cozy haven. The Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta takes just 40 minutes to prepare and is a wonderfully simple yet indulgent dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes and creamy ricotta. The magic lies in the roasting process, which caramelizes the natural sugars in the tomatoes, elevating their flavor.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss. Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a casual family meal, this pasta dish satisfies every occasion. It’s also a great make-ahead option; just store the sauce and pasta separately in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Roasting tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and flavor.
• The creamy ricotta creates a luxurious texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Quick preparation time means minimal effort for maximum taste.
• Blessed with fresh basil and grated parmesan, each bite is a delightful burst of flavor.

What You’ll Need

Gather all the ingredients to create this delicious dish.

For the Roasting

• 450 g (1 pound) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved
• 1 small whole garlic head, cut top off (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled)
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 225 g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other type)
• Pasta cooking water (adjust to desired consistency)
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

• 120 g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese
• Handful fresh basil leaves

For Serving

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves

Note: Use any fresh pasta for a quicker cook time.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Substitute cherry tomatoes for vine tomatoes.
• Use a different cheese like goat cheese if desired.
• Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor.
• Omit the chilli flakes for a milder dish.

How to Make It

Here’s how to create this delicious pasta dish:

Preheat

Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for roasting.

Roast

Roast the tomatoes and garlic. Place halved tomatoes on a baking dish. Cut the top off the whole garlic head, exposing the cloves, and place it next to the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, cover the baking dish with kitchen foil, and place back in the oven for another 10 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistered, caramelized, and the garlic is soft.

Cook

Cook the pasta. While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, cook the pasta al dente in heavily salted water according to package instructions. Reserve about 240 ml (1 cup) of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Blend

Blend the roasted mixture. Once roasted, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of the skin and transfer them to a blender along with the roasted tomatoes, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and chilli flakes, if using. Add ricotta cheese and about 60 ml (1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta cooking water, and blend until smooth.

Combine

Combine the sauce and pasta. In a large skillet or pan, combine the blended tomato mixture with cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Heat over medium heat until heated through. Add more pasta cooking water if the sauce appears too dry.

Taste

Taste and adjust seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Serve

Serve the pasta. Serve the roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the texture changes after thawing.
Reheat: Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring for 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and sweetness.
• Don’t skip reserving pasta water, as it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency.
• Allow the roasted tomatoes to cool slightly before blending for easier handling.
• Experiment with adding other herbs like oregano or thyme for variation.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Enjoy with crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
• Perfect for a Sunday family dinner or a cozy night in.