Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

There is something deeply comforting about a bowl of pasta coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce. I still remember the first time I experimented with roasting tomatoes and garlic—it transformed a simple pasta dish into something rich, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is that it requires minimal effort but delivers restaurant-quality results.

If you are new to cooking or simply want a quick, foolproof recipe, this one is perfect. It requires just a few fresh ingredients, simple steps, and a bit of patience while the oven works its magic. The end result is a velvety, slightly tangy, and beautifully balanced pasta dish that is nutritious and satisfying.

Why This Recipe is Special

This dish stands out for several reasons:

• Easy yet elegant: Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes and mellows the sharpness of garlic, creating a deep, rich flavor without requiring complex cooking skills.
• Creamy but light: Ricotta cheese adds a luxurious texture without making the dish heavy, unlike traditional cream-based sauces.
• Versatile and customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to fit your taste, whether that means adding spice, using different pasta shapes, or swapping out dairy.
• Quick and healthy: With simple whole ingredients, this meal is packed with vitamins and nutrients while still being indulgent.

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe revolves around a handful of fresh ingredients that, when combined, create an irresistible dish.

• Tomatoes – Ripe, medium vine tomatoes work best as roasting intensifies their natural sweetness and acidity. If unavailable, cherry tomatoes are a great alternative.
• Garlic – Roasting softens the garlic and enhances its sweetness, giving the sauce a mellow, caramelized depth.
• Olive Oil – A good quality olive oil helps roast the ingredients while adding richness and depth to the sauce.
• Pasta – Spaghetti or fettuccine work well, but feel free to experiment with penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
• Ricotta Cheese – This brings a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce. If you want a different flavor, mascarpone or goat cheese can be used instead.
• Fresh Basil – Brightens the dish with a pop of fresh, herbal notes.
• Chili Flakes (Optional) – If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of chili flakes adds a subtle kick.
• Parmesan Cheese – A finishing touch of grated Parmesan adds umami and extra creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutes

• No fresh tomatoes? Use canned San Marzano tomatoes for a slightly different but still delicious sauce.
• Dairy-free option? Replace ricotta with dairy-free ricotta or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version.
• Prefer gluten-free? Swap the pasta for gluten-free or legume-based pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the tomatoes in half and place them on a baking dish. Cut the top off a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves, then place it alongside the tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 20 minutes. Cover with foil and continue roasting for another 10 minutes until the tomatoes blister and the garlic becomes soft.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta cooking water, as it will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce
Once roasted, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins into a blender. Add the roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, chili flakes (if using), ricotta cheese, and about ¼ cup (60ml) of the reserved pasta cooking water. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, toss the cooked pasta with the blended sauce, stirring until well coated. Gradually add more pasta cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky texture.

Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve in bowls, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to tell if the pasta is al dente – It should be tender but still have a slight bite. If unsure, taste a strand a minute before the recommended cooking time ends.
• What if the sauce is too thick? – Add a bit more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Preventing sticky pasta – Toss freshly drained pasta with a little olive oil if you are not mixing it with the sauce immediately.
• Make it ahead – The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop and mix with freshly cooked pasta.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a side salad – A fresh arugula or spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Garlic bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the sauce.
• Protein add-ons – If you want a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas for extra protein.
• Wine pairing – A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a chilled rosé works wonderfully with the bright tomato flavors.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
• Freeze the Sauce – The ricotta-based sauce can be frozen separately for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge and reheat gently before tossing with fresh pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. It is an ideal recipe for beginner cooks who want a stress-free, delicious meal with minimal prep. The roasting process does most of the work, leaving you with a creamy, flavorful pasta that feels gourmet but is easy enough for any night of the week.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out for you in the comments below. I would love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you added. Happy cooking!

FAQ About Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

More Relevant Recipes

• Spicy Garlic Butter Sauce: A Flavorful Twist You’ll Love!
• Crispiest Roast Potatoes
• Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Print