Description
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta offers a flavorful and creamy dinner option, combining caramelized roasted tomatoes and garlic with smooth ricotta cheese and fresh basil. The roasted ingredients create a rich sauce that coats tender pasta, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and a touch of chili flakes for optional heat.
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
Pantry
- 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
Pasta and Cheese
- 225 g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other type)
- 120 g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese
- Grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
- Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic: Place the halved tomatoes on a baking dish. Cut the top off the whole garlic head to expose the cloves and position it next to the tomatoes.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then cover the dish with foil and roast for an additional 10 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and caramelized, and the garlic is soft.
- Cook Pasta: While the vegetables roast, cook the pasta al dente in heavily salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve about 240 ml (1 cup) of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Blend Sauce: Squeeze the softened garlic cloves from their skins into a blender along with the roasted tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, chili flakes if using, ricotta cheese, and 60 ml (1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth.
- Combine and Heat: In a large skillet or pan, mix the blended tomato sauce with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly and warm over medium heat, adding more pasta water if the sauce is too dry.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, or chili flakes as desired.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Use ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and caramelization.
- Roasting the garlic whole softens it and mellows its flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Optional chili flakes add a gentle heat, but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
