Description
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a vibrant and creamy dish that combines the natural sweetness of oven-roasted tomatoes and garlic with smooth ricotta cheese. Enhanced with fresh basil and a hint of chili flakes, it creates a flavorful, comforting pasta perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 450 g (1 pound) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved
- 1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled)
- Handful fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Pantry Ingredients
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 225 g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other type)
- Pasta cooking water (reserved, about 240 ml or 1 cup)
Dairy
- 120 g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare the tomatoes and garlic for roasting, which will enhance their sweetness and flavors.
- Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic: Place the halved tomatoes and the whole garlic head (with the top cut off to expose cloves) in a baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Roast Tomatoes and Garlic: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, then cover the baking dish with foil and continue roasting for another 10 minutes until tomatoes are caramelized and garlic is soft.
- Cook Pasta: While roasting, cook the pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve about 240 ml (1 cup) of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Make the Sauce: Squeeze the softened garlic out of its skin and transfer to a blender along with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, ricotta cheese, chili flakes (if using), and about 60 ml (1/4 cup) of reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large skillet or pan, toss the cooked pasta with the blended tomato and ricotta sauce over medium heat. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese while warm.
Notes
- Use high-quality, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor as they are the main ingredient.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the sauce separately and prepare fresh pasta when ready to serve. Thaw the sauce before reheating.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with mascarpone, cream cheese, or dairy-free alternatives if desired.
- Nutrition info is an estimate and should not replace professional nutritional advice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
