This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a comforting, creamy dish that combines sweet, roasted tomatoes with aromatic garlic, creamy ricotta, and a dash of Parmesan. It’s simple yet packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for any occasion. The roasted tomatoes add a caramelized sweetness, and the ricotta creates a smooth, velvety sauce that wraps around each piece of pasta.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or preferred pasta)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic:

   • Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.

3. Roast Tomatoes:

   • Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until soft and slightly caramelized.

4. Cook Pasta:

   • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions (typically 9-11 minutes for spaghetti or penne). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

5. Prepare Ricotta Sauce:

   • In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, chopped basil, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth.

6. Mash Tomatoes and Garlic:

   • Once the tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash them on the baking sheet, releasing their juices and creating a thick sauce.

7. Combine:

   • Add the mashed tomatoes and garlic to the cooked pasta. Stir in the ricotta mixture and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Serve:

   • Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if necessary. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil or Parmesan.

Nutrients (per serving)

Note: Nutritional information is not provided in the original recipe, but here’s an approximate breakdown:

• Calories: 600

• Total Fat: 24g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g

• Cholesterol: 50mg

• Sodium: 500mg

• Carbohydrates: 75g

  • Fiber: 5g

  • Sugar: 7g

• Protein: 20g

The Magic of Roasted Tomatoes

The key to this dish’s deep, satisfying flavor lies in the roasted tomatoes. Roasting tomatoes at a high temperature transforms them into soft, juicy gems, with their natural sugars caramelizing and intensifying. The heat from the oven brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes, which perfectly balances the savory and creamy elements of the dish. Roasting also softens the tomatoes, making them easy to mash and release their juices, creating a rustic, flavorful sauce. This technique is essential for giving the pasta a depth of flavor that simple fresh tomatoes could never achieve.

Garlic: A Flavor Booster

Garlic is another star ingredient in this recipe. As the garlic roasts alongside the tomatoes, it becomes wonderfully mellow, releasing its natural sweetness and fragrant aroma. Minced garlic, when roasted, loses its sharp bite, blending seamlessly into the tomato sauce. The result is a mild yet rich garlic flavor that complements the roasted tomatoes without overpowering them. Garlic is a natural flavor enhancer, and in this dish, it works to elevate the other ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in each bite.

The Creamy Ricotta Sauce

What makes this pasta dish truly special is the creamy ricotta sauce that wraps around the pasta. Ricotta cheese is a light, soft cheese that’s known for its mild flavor and smooth texture. When combined with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a touch of lemon juice, it creates a velvety, slightly tangy sauce that complements the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes. The ricotta sauce is rich without being overly heavy, providing the perfect creamy texture that coats the pasta and blends beautifully with the roasted tomato sauce. The addition of Parmesan gives the sauce a savory depth, while the basil and lemon juice add a burst of freshness, cutting through the richness and balancing the flavors.

Choosing the Right Pasta

While this recipe is flexible, certain types of pasta work better with the creamy, chunky tomato sauce. Spaghetti is a classic choice for this dish, as its long strands hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying texture. However, other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni also work beautifully with this sauce. The key is to choose a pasta that will allow the sauce to cling to it, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. The reserved pasta water helps to achieve the ideal consistency, allowing you to adjust the sauce to your liking, whether you prefer it thicker or a bit more saucy.

A Simple Yet Flavorful Combination

What’s great about Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is that it relies on a handful of simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed meal. The tomatoes, garlic, ricotta, and Parmesan all shine individually, yet when combined, they create a beautifully balanced sauce. The fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal note, while the lemon juice provides a subtle acidity that enhances the overall flavor. The result is a creamy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor from every bite, making it a go-to comfort meal.

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Making this dish is as easy as it is delicious. First, you’ll roast the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until they’re soft and caramelized. While the tomatoes are roasting, you’ll cook the pasta to al dente perfection. After the tomatoes are done, you’ll mash them on the baking sheet to release their juices, then mix them with the ricotta sauce ingredients. Once the pasta is drained, toss it with the roasted tomatoes and ricotta sauce, adding reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Finally, season the pasta to taste and serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh basil or Parmesan for garnish.

The Versatility of the Dish

One of the best things about this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe based on your preferences. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon. If you’re looking to add more vegetables, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would complement the flavors of the dish nicely. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out the ricotta cheese for a lower-fat alternative or use a dairy-free ricotta for a vegan version. This dish can easily be customized to suit a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Nutritional Benefits of Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 600 calories, making it a filling meal without being too heavy. With 20 grams of protein from the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, this pasta dish offers a solid protein boost, important for muscle repair and growth. The 24 grams of total fat come primarily from the olive oil, ricotta, and Parmesan, providing healthy unsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the dish offers 5 grams of fiber from the pasta and tomatoes, supporting digestive health. The fresh basil and lemon juice also contribute a dose of vitamins and antioxidants, supporting immune function and overall well-being.

Serving Suggestions

To make this dish even more special, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette would complement the richness of the pasta and add a fresh, peppery bite. If you’re a fan of garlic bread, this would be the perfect time to indulge, as the crispy, buttery bread will pair wonderfully with the creamy pasta. For dessert, consider serving a refreshing sorbet or a light fruit salad to cleanse the palate after the rich pasta.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, aromatic garlic, creamy ricotta, and Parmesan creates a satisfying and comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this pasta dish is guaranteed to impress.