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Creamy Tomato And Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato And Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

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