Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Introduction

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the freshness of roasted tomatoes, the aromatic richness of garlic, and the creamy smoothness of ricotta cheese, all served over your favorite pasta. This dish is comfort food at its finest, offering a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and creamy flavors that are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or when you’re simply craving something comforting and delicious, this pasta will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a breeze to make and requires minimal ingredients. Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, while the garlic adds depth and a touch of warmth. The ricotta cheese ties everything together, creating a creamy, luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables and hearty ingredients into your meal.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Quick and easy pasta dishes
• Family meals
• Special occasions
• Garlic and cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Here’s why this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta will become a staple in your recipe rotation:

• Fresh and Flavorful: The roasted tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, while the garlic and ricotta combine to create a creamy, satisfying sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Simple Ingredients: With just a few basic ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, ricotta, and pasta, this recipe is straightforward to make but delivers incredible flavor.
• Customizable: This pasta can easily be customized with your favorite herbs, vegetables, or protein additions. Whether you add spinach, basil, chicken, or even bacon, this dish can be adapted to suit your preferences.
• Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, making it a versatile option for a variety of dietary preferences.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of around 30 minutes, this pasta dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or 4-5 large tomatoes, halved)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or fresh basil and oregano)
• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite variety)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)

Ingredient Highlights

• Tomatoes: The key ingredient in this dish, tomatoes are roasted to enhance their natural sweetness, making them the perfect base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a deep, aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with both the tomatoes and the ricotta cheese.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy, soft cheese adds a luscious texture to the sauce, making it rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds an extra layer of savory, umami flavor and a slightly salty finish to the dish, balancing the richness of the ricotta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is easy and requires just a few steps. Here’s how to prepare this delicious dish:

Prepare the Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Roast the Tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half (or large tomatoes into wedges) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning (or fresh basil and oregano). Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them evenly in the oil and seasonings.
3. Add the Garlic: Mince the garlic and add it to the tomatoes. Toss the garlic with the tomatoes, ensuring it is well-distributed. Roasting the garlic with the tomatoes will infuse the entire dish with its wonderful aroma.
4. Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the tomatoes and garlic for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and bursting. Keep an eye on the garlic to make sure it doesn’t burn.

Prepare the Pasta

5. Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously to add flavor to the pasta. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set it aside.

Combine the Ricotta Sauce

6. Mix the Ricotta: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic: Once the tomatoes and garlic are done roasting, remove them from the oven. Transfer the roasted tomatoes and garlic into the mixing bowl with the ricotta cheese. Use a spoon or spatula to mash the tomatoes gently, releasing their juices and mixing them with the ricotta.
8. Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help the sauce adhere better to the noodles and create a creamy texture.

Toss the Pasta and Serve

9. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the ricotta and tomato mixture. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If necessary, add more pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
10. Serve: Divide the pasta into individual bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. For added freshness and flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a delicious main dish on its own, but you can also serve it in a variety of ways:

• With a Side Salad: Serve the pasta with a crisp, fresh salad on the side, such as a mixed greens salad or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• With Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgent meal, serve the pasta with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to scoop up any leftover sauce.
• As a Make-Ahead Meal: This pasta can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra pasta water to keep the sauce creamy.
• With Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: Add protein by topping the pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Additional Tips for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

To make this pasta even more flavorful, try these tips:

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme will add an extra layer of flavor. Toss some fresh basil leaves in at the end for a burst of brightness.
• Roast the Tomatoes Longer: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can roast the tomatoes a bit longer until they become caramelized and their sweetness is more pronounced.
• Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: For a healthier version, opt for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta. Both options will work beautifully with the creamy ricotta sauce.
• Add Lemon Zest: For a light and zesty contrast to the creamy sauce, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the pasta before serving.
• Try Different Cheeses: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mascarpone, cream cheese, or goat cheese, to give the dish a unique twist.

Recipe Variations for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Here are some creative ways to change up this pasta recipe:

1. Spinach and Ricotta Pasta: Add fresh spinach to the pasta at the end of cooking. Stir it in until it wilts, creating a nutritious addition to the dish.
2. Baked Ricotta Pasta: After tossing the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbly for a baked pasta variation.
3. Pasta with Bacon: For a smoky flavor, add crispy bacon bits to the pasta. The saltiness of the bacon complements the creamy ricotta and sweet tomatoes perfectly.
4. Pesto Ricotta Pasta: Add a spoonful of fresh basil pesto to the ricotta mixture for a herby, vibrant twist on the traditional sauce.
5. Vegan Version: Use a dairy-free ricotta and omit the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based version of this dish. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Include other roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, to make the dish even more hearty and packed with nutrients.

Freezing and Storage for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

• Freezing: This pasta dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven or on the stovetop with a little pasta water to restore its creamy texture.
• Storage: Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of pasta water and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Special Equipment for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

These tools will make preparing your pasta even easier:

• Baking Sheet: A baking sheet is essential for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
• Large Mixing Bowl: A mixing bowl is perfect for combining the ricotta and tomatoes, and it allows you to adjust the sauce’s consistency with pasta water.
• Pasta Pot: A large pot for boiling the pasta is essential for cooking it to perfection.
• Tongs or Pasta Spoon: Use tongs or a pasta spoon to toss the pasta with the sauce for even coating.
• Grater: A fine grater will make it easy to grate the Parmesan cheese.

FAQ Section About Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren’t available. Make sure to drain them well and cook them for a slightly longer time to intensify the flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese for the ricotta? Yes, you can substitute ricotta with other soft cheeses like mascarpone or cream cheese, though the flavor will be different.
3. Can I add protein to this dish? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon would be excellent additions for a heartier meal.
4. Can I make this pasta gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta, and the dish will still be just as delicious.
5. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a little reserved pasta water or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly.

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Conclusion

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is the perfect dish for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests. With its fresh ingredients, creamy ricotta sauce, and rich flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, this recipe is a great way to enjoy pasta in a light yet hearty way. Add your own variations or stick with the classic—it’s a dish that can be tailored to fit your tastes. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and delicious pasta!