Name: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound (450g) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved; 1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled); Handful of fresh basil leaves; 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional); 8 ounces (225g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other); 1 cup (240ml) reserved pasta cooking water (adjust as needed); ½ cup (120g) ricotta cheese; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta is a comforting yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic brings out their sweet, caramelized flavors, which blend beautifully with creamy ricotta for a silky sauce.

A close-up of a round white plate with creamy orange pasta noodles spread evenly in a circular mound. On top, there is a dollop of white, soft cheese with small cracks, sprinkled with black pepper. A small bunch of fresh green basil leaves rests on the cheese, adding a pop of color. The background is a white marbled texture. 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 cut side up on a baking dish. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves and place it beside the tomatoes. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and roast for another 10 minutes until tomatoes blister and caramelize, and garlic is soft.
Step 2: While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240ml) of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Step 3: When roasted ingredients are cool enough, 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 reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed for a silky sauce.
Step 4: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large skillet over medium heat. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add more reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce feels too thick.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil leaves.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce before blending.
Use burrata instead of ricotta for a richer, creamier texture.
If fresh basil isn’t available, substitute with fresh parsley or oregano.
To make it vegan, replace ricotta with a plant-based alternative and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with spaghetti coated in a creamy orange sauce with bits of red, possibly tomato. On top of the pasta is a dollop of white creamy cheese, sprinkled with black pepper, and a small bunch of bright green basil leaves placed in the center. The spaghetti strands are twisted into a round pile, and the texture of the sauce looks smooth and rich. The background is 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 to achieve the caramelized flavor and texture, but if fresh aren’t available, use high-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes and roast them gently to concentrate flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more chili flakes during blending or sprinkle extra on top before serving. You can also incorporate a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat.