Description
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves blended into creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is cooked al dente and tossed with the rich, lemon-tinged sauce, finished with fresh basil for a bright, aromatic touch. This recipe is quick to make and perfect for a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Roasted Vegetables
- 12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese and Seasoning
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast: Preheat your oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Roast for 20–25 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and tender and the garlic is golden and fragrant.
- Cook Pasta: While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Mix Cheese and Flavorings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This mixture will form a creamy base for the pasta.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the hot pasta into the bowl with the ricotta mixture. Gently toss together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta smoothly.
- Add Roasted Vegetables: Stir in the roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic along with any flavorful juices left on the baking sheet. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve the pasta warm immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the ricotta mixture.
- Use a high-quality whole milk ricotta for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- You can add roasted zucchini or spinach for additional vegetables and nutrients.
