Introduction
Italian cuisine is known for its comforting, flavorful dishes, and pasta is no exception. But why settle for the usual marinara or Alfredo sauce when you can elevate your pasta game with something unique, delicious, and full of rich textures? Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta does just that, offering a creamy, tangy taste that feels like a hug in a bowl. This recipe not only highlights the freshness of tomatoes and the earthiness of garlic but also introduces the light, fluffy creaminess of ricotta.
Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the mellow flavor of roasted garlic. When combined with ricotta cheese, this mixture creates a sauce that’s both luxurious and light, making it perfect for a cozy dinner. This recipe is a great option for pasta lovers who want to try something different but also want to keep it straightforward and achievable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this pasta dish is sure to impress.
What You’ll Need
To make this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients. While some ingredients are pantry staples, others add that unique touch to make this dish truly special.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta type, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Each works well with this creamy sauce, allowing the flavors to cling to every bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes: The star ingredient! Cherry tomatoes are ideal for roasting because they’re naturally sweet and juicy, bursting with flavor when cooked.
- Garlic: Whole garlic cloves are roasted alongside the tomatoes, bringing a warm, slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
- Olive Oil: A must-have for roasting! Olive oil helps in bringing out the flavors of the tomatoes and garlic while adding a smooth texture to the sauce.
- Ricotta Cheese: This light, fluffy cheese becomes creamy when mixed with roasted tomatoes, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and creating a rich, satisfying sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient.
- Fresh Basil: This aromatic herb adds a burst of freshness, balancing the creamy and tangy notes of the dish.
Gathering these ingredients will ensure you’re ready to dive into creating this flavorful pasta dish. With just a handful of items, you’ll be surprised at the depth and richness of the result! Once you have everything prepared, you’ll be ready to move on to the fun part—cooking this delicious pasta.
How to Make (Full Measurements Included)
Ready to get cooking? Follow these steps to make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta. This recipe is simple and involves roasting tomatoes and garlic, mixing them with ricotta, and tossing them with pasta. Here’s everything you need, including measurements, to create this creamy, flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne work well)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, unpeeled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Roast Tomatoes and Garlic: Place cherry tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything to ensure the tomatoes and garlic are well-coated in oil. Spread them out in a single layer.
- Bake: Roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, juicy, and slightly charred on the edges. The garlic should be tender and soft.
- Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Mix the Sauce: Once the tomatoes and garlic are done, remove them from the oven. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a mixing bowl and mash them. Add the ricotta cheese and the roasted tomatoes, then gently combine until you achieve a creamy sauce. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine with Pasta: In a large skillet or mixing bowl, toss the pasta with the ricotta-tomato mixture. Mix well to ensure every strand of pasta is coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your homemade Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta!
Serving and Storage Tips
To make the most of this dish, consider these tips for serving and storing your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as the flavors of the roasted tomatoes and garlic are most vibrant when hot.
- Pairings: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread, a fresh arugula salad, or even a glass of crisp white wine. The acidity of the wine complements the creamy ricotta and roasted tomatoes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Finishing Touches: For added richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or crushed red pepper flakes on top. These extras bring a subtle heat and an extra layer of flavor to each bite.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, add a small splash of water before reheating to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Reheating: To reheat, add the pasta to a skillet with a bit of olive oil or reserved pasta water. Warm over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. This method helps retain the creamy texture.
- Freezing: While fresh pasta is always best, you can freeze this dish if necessary. Transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as described above.
These serving and storage tips ensure you’ll get the best taste and texture from this dish, whether you’re enjoying it fresh or as leftovers. Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a versatile, forgiving recipe, so don’t hesitate to make it in advance if needed.