Description
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic adds a depth of flavor to the dish, while the creamy ricotta cheese sauce brings everything together. Tossed with pasta and fresh basil, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic:
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 6 cloves garlic (unpeeled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ricotta Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the sauce: Remove the roasted garlic cloves from their skins and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the roasted tomatoes, ricotta cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, and chopped basil. Mash gently or stir to combine into a creamy sauce.
- Toss with pasta: Add the hot cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
- Serve: Serve warm, topped with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- This dish is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed spinach for a heartier variation.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
