Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

If you love creamy, comforting pasta with a burst of fresh flavor, this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a dish you need in your life. Sweet roasted tomatoes, caramelized garlic, and creamy ricotta cheese come together for a rich yet light sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite pasta. It’s easy, elegant, and perfect for any night of the week.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Tangy – The ricotta blends perfectly with roasted tomatoes for a luscious sauce.
• Minimal Effort – Let the oven do most of the work while you cook the pasta.
• Healthy Comfort Food – High in protein, full of antioxidants, and incredibly satisfying.
• Great for Leftovers – Tastes just as good the next day.
• Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Roasted Tomato & Garlic:

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Ricotta Sauce:

• ¾ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp reserved pasta water (to loosen the sauce, if needed)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Large pot for pasta
• Strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Blender or food processor (optional for smoother sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Toss to coat and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered and garlic is golden and soft.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Mix until creamy.
If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend the roasted tomatoes and garlic with the ricotta mixture until silky.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Return drained pasta to the pot or a large pan.
Add the ricotta sauce and toss gently to coat.
Add roasted tomatoes and garlic (either whole or blended) and toss again.
Use reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Divide into bowls and top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, tangy, and garlicky goodness!

Tips for the Best Ricotta Pasta

• Use Good Quality Ricotta – The fresher, the creamier and more flavorful.
• Don’t Overcook the Garlic – Roast until golden, not burnt, for a sweet mellow flavor.
• Balance the Acidity – A little lemon juice brightens the dish without overpowering.
• Customize the Texture – Blend for a smooth sauce or keep it chunky for a rustic feel.
• Make it a Meal – Add grilled chicken, sautéed spinach, or white beans for protein.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Salad – Serve with a simple arugula or spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette.
• Garlic Bread – Crunchy and perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant pair beautifully.
• Light Soup – A small bowl of vegetable or lentil soup makes a comforting combo.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or milk over low heat.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought ricotta?
   Yes, just be sure it’s fresh and high quality. For best texture, drain excess liquid before using.
2. What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
   You can use any small tomatoes or even chopped Roma tomatoes.
3. Can I make it vegan?
   Yes—use vegan ricotta and Parmesan alternatives, and skip or substitute the dairy-based toppings.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
   It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the ricotta sauce and add that fresh when reheating.

Final Thoughts
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a dish that feels indulgent but is secretly simple and wholesome. With sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy ricotta, and fresh herbs, it’s a comfort food dream come true. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this pasta checks all the boxes.

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: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 17g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 380mg

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