Dreamy Garlic & Tomato Ricotta Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Pasta nights reach new heights with this creamy tomato and garlic ricotta pasta that transforms simple ingredients into a delectable feast.

Vibrant red tomatoes and smooth ricotta create a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to each strand of pasta.

Fresh garlic adds a punchy depth that makes every bite extraordinary.

The combination of rich cheese and bright tomatoes delivers a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home.

Silky ricotta melts into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that feels indulgent yet comforting.

Simple ingredients come together in less than 30 minutes for a meal that will impress.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this irresistible pasta creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Tomato Ricotta Pasta Ingredient List

• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with sweet, intense flavor when roasted, select ripe and firm tomatoes for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps tomatoes caramelize and adds rich, smooth coating.
• Oregano: Provides classic Mediterranean herb essence and aromatic depth.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw moisture from tomatoes.
• Black Pepper: Adds warm, spicy undertone to roasted vegetables.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and bright, zesty kick.
• Garlic: Creates deep, mellow roasted flavor when caramelized in oven.

• Pasta: Choose short shapes like penne or fusilli that capture roasted sauce effectively.

• Ricotta Cheese: Delivers smooth, pillowy texture and mild, fresh dairy notes.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty complexity and luxurious finishing touch.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Offers bright, aromatic freshness as final garnish.

Tools to Roast Tomatoes Just Right

• Baking sheet: Crucial for roasting tomatoes and garlic evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Chef's knife: Needed for mincing garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Helps toss tomatoes with oil and seasonings.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning amounts.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients.

Mix a Pasta Dish That’s Rich and Light

• Fire Up the Oven Crank your kitchen heat to a toasty 400F and grab a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Toss and Season Scatter those juicy cherry tomatoes across the sheet, then shower them with olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Drop in some minced garlic and give everything a good mix.
• Roast to Perfection Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let those tomatoes transform for 20-25 minutes. Watch for beautiful blistering and soft, caramelized edges that'll make your kitchen smell incredible.
• Boil the Pasta While tomatoes are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.
• Blend the Ricotta In a separate bowl, whip the ricotta until smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious base for your sauce.
• Combine and Serve Drain the pasta, then gently fold in the roasted tomatoes and their delicious pan juices. Swirl in the whipped ricotta, creating a dreamy, creamy coating that clings to every pasta curve.
• Garnish and Enjoy Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and a whisper of grated parmesan. Dive into a plate of pure comfort that balances tangy, creamy, and rich flavors.

Tips That Add Depth to the Garlic Sauce

• Spread tomatoes in a single layer to ensure even caramelization and prevent steaming, which helps develop deeper, sweeter flavors.
• Replace regular salt with herb-infused salt or use a salt substitute like nutritional yeast for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Swap ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth to create a creamy texture that suits vegan dietary needs.
• Add grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to transform this pasta into a more substantial main course that satisfies hunger and provides extra protein.
• Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or parsley instead of oregano to create unique flavor profiles that match seasonal availability or personal taste preferences.

Serve with Parmesan and Cracked Pepper

• Rustic Italian Dinner Plate: Serve the pasta on a large wooden board with fresh basil leaves scattered on top, creating a beautiful, rustic presentation that feels like a casual Mediterranean meal.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra ricotta and grated parmesan over the hot pasta, allowing the cheeses to melt slightly and create a creamy, indulgent texture that enhances the roasted tomato flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc, which will balance the rich tomato and garlic notes while elevating the overall dining experience.
• Fresh Side Harmony: Add a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side to provide a peppery, bright contrast to the warm, roasted pasta and cleanse the palate between bites.

Store and Reheat with a Splash of Olive Oil

• Allow the pasta dish to reach room temperature within 2 hours after cooking, preventing bacterial growth while maintaining optimal flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the ricotta and roasted tomatoes fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring the ricotta remains creamy.
• While possible, freezing is not ideal for this recipe due to ricotta's delicate texture, which can become grainy and separate when thawed, potentially compromising the dish's quality.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or regular vine-ripened tomatoes. Just adjust roasting time based on tomato size to ensure they’re blistered and soft.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage to the pasta. Alternatively, mix in some cooked white beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can roast the tomatoes and garlic ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve, and reheat the roasted tomatoes quickly in a pan or microwave.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legume-based alternatives. All other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

Creamy Tomato And Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta showcases Mediterranean flavors with rustic charm. Silky ricotta melds with caramelized tomatoes, creating a simple yet elegant Italian-inspired dish you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne)
• 2 cups (300 g) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an optimal roasting environment for the tomatoes.
2. Seasoning: Coat cherry tomatoes and minced garlic with olive oil, then generously season with oregano, salt, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes to enhance flavor complexity.
3. Roasting: Spread seasoned tomatoes and garlic on the prepared baking sheet, roasting for 20-25 minutes until they develop a blistered exterior and concentrated interior, intensifying their natural sweetness.
4. Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water until achieving the perfect al dente texture, then reserve a small amount of starchy cooking liquid for sauce creation.
5. Ricotta Preparation: Whisk ricotta with fresh herbs, creating a creamy, aromatic base that will elevate the dish’s overall flavor profile.
6. Combining: Gently fold roasted tomatoes and their caramelized juices into the cooked pasta, then incorporate the herbed ricotta mixture, using reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce.
7. Finishing: Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to add brightness and depth to the final presentation.

Notes

• Roast Tomatoes Precisely: Watch carefully during roasting to prevent burning, aiming for blistered exterior without charring. Larger tomatoes might need slight adjustment in roasting time.
• Control Pasta Moisture: Reserve pasta water strategically; start with small amounts when creating sauce to prevent overwhelming ricotta’s creamy texture. Gradually add liquid for perfect consistency.
• Herb Selection Matters: Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for maximum flavor impact. Dried herbs work, but fresh herbs provide brighter, more vibrant taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily adapt recipe for gluten-free diets by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or grain-free alternatives. For dairy-free version, replace ricotta with cashew cream or tofu-based spread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg