Name: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 450 g (1 pound) ripe medium vine tomatoes, halved; 1 small whole garlic head (or 4 large garlic cloves, unpeeled); 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 225 g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or other type); Pasta cooking water (adjust to desired consistency); 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional); 120 g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese; Handful fresh basil leaves; Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, for serving

Bright, rich, and impossibly creamy, Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is the sort of Italian-inspired dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but actually comes together surprisingly easily. The luscious ricotta base melds beautifully with sweet, caramelized tomatoes and gentle roasted garlic, delivering a pasta that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Each bite is suffused with basil and finished with a flurry of parmesan, making this meal perfect for both impromptu weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend gatherings.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I love most about Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is how a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients creates a stunningly flavorful meal. Every element, from ripe tomatoes to creamy ricotta, adds something special in terms of taste, texture, or vibrant color.

Ripe medium vine tomatoes (450 g / 1 pound): Their sweetness and juiciness are essential for a sauce that tastes bright and fresh—choose the ripest tomatoes you can find for maximum flavor.
Whole garlic head (or 4 large cloves, unpeeled): Roasting turns garlic mellow and buttery, infusing your sauce with a subtle, savory depth.
Olive oil (30 ml / 2 tbsp): Adds a luscious, fruity richness that helps marry all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Pasta (225 g / 8 oz): Spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite shape—each works beautifully as a canvas for the sauce.
Pasta cooking water: The starchy reserved water helps adjust the consistency of your sauce and ensures it clings perfectly to the pasta.
Chilli flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For a gentle kick and extra warmth, though feel free to leave them out if you prefer your pasta mild.
Ricotta cheese (120 g / 1/2 cup): Makes the sauce luscious and creamy—don’t skip it!
Fresh basil leaves: Their peppery brightness lifts the entire dish and adds gorgeous green flecks.
Grated parmesan cheese and more basil, for serving: Gives that classic Italian finish, making every forkful extra special.

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the halved tomatoes cut-side up in a snug baking dish and tuck the whole garlic head—with its top sliced off to reveal the cloves—alongside. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then season well with salt and pepper. The roasting time is about 20 minutes, after which you’ll cover the dish with foil and pop it back in for an extra 10 minutes. This simple step transforms everyday veggies into a sweet, caramelized base that truly defines Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your kitchen fills with the scent of roasting tomatoes and garlic, cook your pasta in a large pot of heavily salted, boiling water. Go just to al dente, following the package instructions closely. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of that magic pasta water before draining! It’ll help make your sauce silky and luscious later on.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once the tomatoes and garlic are roasted to sweet perfection, squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins and add them to a blender. In go the caramelized tomatoes, a generous handful of fresh basil, the optional chilli flakes for a touch of heat, ricotta cheese, and about a quarter cup of reserved pasta water. Blitz everything together until the mixture is velvety and smooth—this is what coats your pasta in pure flavor.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Pasta

Pour the blended sauce into a large skillet or pan and add the drained pasta. Toss gently over medium heat until every strand is gloriously coated. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, drizzle in more reserved pasta water until you get your desired consistency. Now is the time to taste and adjust seasoning—sometimes a final sprinkle of salt or a good grind of black pepper is all you need to bring Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta into balance.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to deep bowls and top with extra basil leaves and a flurry of grated parmesan cheese. The fragrance of the fresh basil with the warmth of the pasta makes this dish absolutely irresistible. All that’s left is to grab your fork and dig in!

How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Garnishes

A generous topping of grated parmesan and more fresh basil is a must for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a little drizzle of high-quality olive oil or even a handful of toasted pine nuts will add a delicious final flourish.

Side Dishes

Pairing your pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil balances the richness of the ricotta. Warm, crusty bread for mopping up any leftover sauce is highly encouraged. If you want a heartier spread, a plate of roasted vegetables or a platter of marinated olives works beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful dinner party starter, try serving Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta in small ramekins or on appetizer spoons as individual bites. You can also swirl the pasta into nests on each plate and top with extra ricotta and microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Transfer any extras into an airtight container, and let the flavors meld together—it’s almost even better the next day! Just be sure to cool the pasta before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

While the pasta doesn’t freeze as well due to the ricotta, the sauce itself freezes beautifully. Simply let the sauce cool completely, transfer it to a resealable bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook fresh pasta and toss it with the thawed sauce for a meal that tastes freshly made.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through—avoid boiling to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use another cheese besides ricotta?

Yes! Mascarpone or even cream cheese offer a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. There are also many dairy-free ricotta options available for a vegan spin.

What’s the best kind of pasta to use?

Spaghetti and fettuccine are classic choices, but this sauce pairs well with almost any pasta shape—including penne, rigatoni, or even pappardelle. Pick your favorite!

Do I have to use fresh basil?

Fresh basil brings a fragrant, bright lift to Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta, but if you only have dried, use a teaspoon—just add it when roasting the tomatoes so the flavors can bloom.

How spicy is the sauce with the chilli flakes?

The chilli flakes add a gentle warmth that doesn’t overpower. If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount, or leave them out entirely for a milder flavor.

Why roast the garlic and tomatoes instead of sautéing?

Roasting caramelizes the sugars in both the tomatoes and garlic, mellowing any bitterness and intensifying their sweetness for a deeper, richer sauce. It’s an easy step that rewards you with maximum flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is just waiting to become your new favorite. Give it a try, share it with friends and family, and watch it disappear—you’ll be amazed how a few simple ingredients can create such a showstopper.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta