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Roasted Tomato Garlic Ricotta Pasta: Creamy Comfort Food Perfection

This roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta recipe combines oven-roasted tomatoes and garlic with creamy ricotta cheese for a comforting yet sophisticated weeknight dinner. The dish features burst cherry tomatoes, roasted garlic cloves mashed into ricotta, and pasta tossed together with fresh basil and Parmesan for a delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 pound cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
  • 1 head of garlic, cloves separated but not peeled
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces rigatoni or your favorite pasta shape
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cherry tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves with olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes have burst and the garlic is soft and golden.
  2. While the tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta according to package directions in well-salted water. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into the ricotta mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the ricotta mixture along with the roasted tomatoes (reserve a few for garnish). Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well combined.
  5. Divide the pasta among bowls, top with remaining roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don't rush the roasting process! The caramelization is what gives this dish its incredible flavor depth. Always reserve some pasta water - the starch helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling perfectly to the pasta. Whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture.