This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s not just satisfying but also bursting with the rich, roasted flavors of tomatoes and garlic. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe stands out for its creamy ricotta sauce that ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this pasta will surely impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Roasting the tomatoes and garlic enhances their natural sweetness, creating a deliciously rich sauce.
- Versatile Dish: You can easily substitute different types of pasta or add seasonal vegetables to customize your meal.
- Nutritious Option: Packed with fresh ingredients, this recipe provides a good balance of carbs and protein.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and tasty flavors make this dish enjoyable for both kids and adults.
Tools and Preparation
Before starting your culinary adventure, gather your tools. Having everything on hand makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Blender
- Large skillet or pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, etc.)
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Essential for roasting the tomatoes and garlic evenly to bring out their flavors.
- Blender: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce by blending the roasted ingredients effortlessly.
- Large skillet or pan: Perfect for combining the pasta with the sauce, ensuring everything is well mixed.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 pound) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved
- 1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled)
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 225 g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other type)
- Pasta cooking water (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- 120 g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese
- Handful fresh basil leaves
- Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, for serving
How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that your tomatoes roast perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic
Place the halved tomatoes in a baking dish. Cut off the top of the whole garlic head to expose the cloves, then place it next to the tomatoes.
Step 3: Seasoning
Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Roast
Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes. After that time, cover the baking dish with kitchen foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. The goal is blistered, caramelized tomatoes and soft garlic.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
While your vegetables are roasting, cook your chosen pasta al dente in heavily salted water according to package instructions. Reserve about 240ml (1 cup) of pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 6: Blend Sauce
Once roasted, squeeze the soft garlic from its skin into a blender along with the roasted tomatoes, a handful of fresh basil leaves, and optional chilli flakes. Add ricotta cheese and about 60ml (1/4 cup) of reserved pasta cooking water. Blend until smooth.
Step 7: Combine Pasta & Sauce
In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, combine the blended tomato mixture with cooked pasta. Toss until evenly coated. Heat through adding more reserved pasta cooking water if needed to adjust consistency.
Step 8: Taste & Adjust
Taste your dish before serving! Adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper as needed.
Step 9: Serve
Serve your roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta in bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Serving Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a wonderful opportunity to enhance its flavors with complementary ingredients. Here are some creative ideas to make your meal even more delightful.
Fresh Basil Garnish
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color.
Grated Parmesan
- Add grated parmesan cheese for a rich, savory touch that pairs beautifully with the creamy ricotta.
Olive Oil Drizzle
- A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish and provide an extra layer of richness.
Chili Flakes
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top to spice things up.
Lemon Zest
- Add a touch of zest from a lemon to brighten the flavors and add freshness.
Toasted Bread
- Serve with slices of toasted bread or garlic bread on the side for a delightful crunch.
How to Perfect Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
To make sure your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.
Choose ripe tomatoes – Using ripe tomatoes enhances sweetness and flavor, making your pasta sauce more delicious.
Use fresh garlic – Fresh garlic cloves will provide a more robust taste than pre-peeled or jarred options.
Cook pasta al dente – Cooking it al dente ensures that the pasta retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Adjust sauce consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water gradually until you achieve your desired creaminess.
Taste before serving – Always taste your dish before serving to adjust seasoning as needed; it can make all the difference in flavor.
Garnish generously – Don’t skimp on garnishes; they add visual appeal and enhance the overall dining experience.
Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:
Garlic Bread – A classic choice that complements the flavors while providing a crunchy texture.
Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring color and nutrition, enhancing your meal’s appeal.
Antipasto Platter – Include olives, cheeses, and cured meats for an Italian-inspired side that’s full of flavor.
Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing accompaniment.
Zucchini Noodles – For a lighter option, serve zucchini noodles as a side dish to keep things healthy yet satisfying.
Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus offers crunchiness and pairs nicely with rich pasta dishes.
Bruschetta – Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta is a flavorful starter that complements your main dish perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta can be simple, but it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the pasta – Always cook your pasta al dente according to package instructions. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture.
- Not seasoning properly – Season your ingredients, especially the tomatoes and garlic before roasting. A little salt and pepper elevates the flavors significantly.
- Using low-quality tomatoes – Choose ripe, medium vine tomatoes for the best flavor. Fresh, high-quality tomatoes make a big difference in this dish.
- Ignoring the garlic – Make sure to roast the garlic until soft. This step adds sweetness and depth of flavor that is essential for your sauce.
- Skipping the pasta water – Reserve some pasta cooking water! It helps adjust the sauce’s consistency while adding flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta in an airtight container.
- It will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
- You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months.
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave – Transfer individual portions into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop – Add a splash of reserved pasta water in a skillet over low heat. Stir continuously until heated evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta that might help you.
How do I make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta vegetarian?
You can easily keep this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth when cooking your pasta. The dish is already meat-free!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! If you want a stronger flavor, feel free to substitute ricotta with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different texture.
What can I serve with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes optional chili flakes which you can adjust according to your spice preference. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a milder taste!
Final Thoughts
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of roasted tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and fresh basil creates a delightful experience for any dinner table. Plus, you can customize it by adding vegetables or proteins of your choice. Give this recipe a try; it might just become your new favorite weeknight dish!
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta, a dish that effortlessly marries simplicity with gourmet taste. In just 40 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that showcases the rich sweetness of roasted tomatoes and garlic melded with creamy ricotta cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this pasta dish is versatile enough to adapt to your preferences, whether by swapping in different pasta types or incorporating seasonal vegetables. Impress family and friends alike with this comforting, flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 450 g ripe medium vine tomatoes
- 1 small whole garlic head
- 30 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 225 g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 120 g ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Halve tomatoes and place them in a baking dish with the whole garlic head.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20 minutes, then cover with foil and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions; reserve some cooking water.
- Squeeze roasted garlic into a blender along with tomatoes, basil, and ricotta. Blend until smooth.
- In a large skillet, combine the sauce with cooked pasta over medium heat, adding reserved water as needed.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve garnished with fresh basil and grated parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
