Name: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved; 1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled); 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other); 1 cup (240ml) reserved pasta cooking water (adjust as needed); ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional); ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese; Handful of fresh basil leaves; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Introduction

This roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic brings out their natural sweetness, while the creamy ricotta creates a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

A mound of creamy spaghetti sits in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The spaghetti is coated in a thick, light orange sauce with visible small green herb flecks. Mixed in are a few soft roasted cherry tomato halves, adding contrast with their deep red color. On top, there is a dollop of white cream sprinkled with coarse black pepper. Two large fresh green basil leaves rest on the cream, providing a fresh and vibrant touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved
1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled)
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other)
1 cup (240ml) reserved pasta cooking water (adjust as needed)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese
Handful of fresh basil leaves
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved tomatoes on a baking dish, cut side up. Place the whole garlic head beside them after cutting off its top to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Roast uncovered for 20 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and continue roasting for another 10 minutes until the tomatoes blister and caramelize, and the garlic becomes soft.
Step 3: While the tomatoes and garlic roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 4: Once the roasted ingredients are cool enough to handle, squeeze the soft garlic cloves out of their skins into a blender. Add the roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, chili flakes (if using), ricotta cheese, and ¼ cup (60ml) of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Blend until smooth, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Step 6: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the blended sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water if necessary.
Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
You can substitute ricotta with cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer texture.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
If fresh basil is unavailable, a teaspoon of dried basil can be used in a pinch.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.

How to Serve

A bowl of creamy spaghetti is neatly twirled into one thick layer, showing a light orange sauce with small pieces of red tomato mixed throughout the noodles. On top, there is a dollop of white creamy cheese sprinkled with black pepper, adding texture contrast. A fresh bright green basil leaf with smooth edges sits right on the cheese, giving a fresh touch. The bowl is white with a simple design visible on its rim, and it sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Fresh tomatoes work best for roasting and developing sweetness, but you can substitute with good-quality canned tomatoes. Reduce the roasting time and proceed to blend as usual.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free. The sauce itself contains no gluten ingredients.