Who doesn’t love a rich and creamy pasta dish that comes together in a flash? This roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in no time.
The secret to this recipe’s incredible flavor lies in the roasted tomatoes and garlic. By tossing these ingredients with a bit of olive oil and baking them to perfection, you unlock a depth of flavor that simply can’t be achieved any other way. The resulting sweet and savory medley is then combined with creamy ricotta cheese, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Beyond the mouthwatering taste, there’s a lot to love about this roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta. For starters, it’s an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. The combination of tender pasta, rich ricotta, and burst-in-your-mouth tomatoes creates a satisfying texture contrast that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
But the best part? This recipe is shockingly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and a quick assembly process, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under an hour. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy the flavors for days to come.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta ❓
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
The beauty of this roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet roasted tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and creamy ricotta creates the Italian-inspired flavor profile that has made pasta recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Roast the tomatoes and garlic in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and starting to burst. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool slightly.
• Step 3: While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Step 4: Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic to the cooked pasta, along with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Gently stir the ingredients together until well combined and the cheese has melted.
• Step 5: Serve the roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional baked ziti which can take up to an hour to prepare, this roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 587mg
These roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta dishes provide approximately 25% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute a portion of the pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrates.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the ricotta and Parmesan with your favorite nut-based cheese alternatives or a creamy cashew sauce.
• Added protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crumbled tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for more nutrient-dense veggies.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a light, refreshing white wine for a perfect dinner pairing.
• Complement the pasta with a simple tomato or arugula salad for a complete meal.
• For a casual gathering, serve the roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta as part of an Italian-inspired appetizer platter with olives, bruschetta, and fresh mozzarella.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skimping on the roasting time: Allowing the tomatoes and garlic to fully roast is crucial for developing the deep, caramelized flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. Don’t be tempted to rush this step.
• Adding too much liquid: The ricotta cheese and pasta cooking water provide enough moisture to bring the dish together. Avoid adding extra broth or pasta water, as this can result in a watery, diluted texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta dishes retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked pasta to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover pasta in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire recipe, including the roasted tomatoes and garlic, up to 2 days in advance. Store the cooked pasta mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the pasta in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I substitute the cherry tomatoes with other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry or grape tomatoes work beautifully in this recipe, you can also use diced Roma or beefsteak tomatoes. Just keep in mind that larger tomato varieties may require a slightly longer roasting time to achieve the same level of caramelization and flavor development.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese alternative. To make this recipe vegan, substitute the ricotta and Parmesan with your preferred plant-based cheese products. You can also try using a creamy cashew or almond-based sauce in place of the ricotta.
Why are my roasted tomatoes sometimes watery?
If your roasted tomatoes release a lot of liquid during the cooking process, it’s likely because you’ve crowded the baking sheet. Be sure to spread the tomatoes in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. This allows the tomatoes to roast properly and caramelize, rather than steaming in their own juices.
Can I add any other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta is highly adaptable. Consider adding sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or crumbled Italian sausage for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to complement the Italian-inspired profile.
Conclusion
These roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta dishes represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course for a casual gathering, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, creamy texture, and irresistible blend of sweet and savory notes.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the roasting and assembly process.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new go-to pasta dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Print
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound cherry or grape tomatoes
• 6 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cherry or grape tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
• Step 2: Roast the tomatoes and garlic in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and starting to burst. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool slightly.
• Step 3: While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
• Step 4: Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic to the cooked pasta, along with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Gently stir the ingredients together until well combined and the cheese has melted.
• Step 5: Serve the roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
