Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Embrace the Cozy Flavors of Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta, especially when it’s draped in a luxuriously creamy sauce borne from fresh, roasted tomatoes and aromatic garlic. This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is not just your average weeknight meal; it’s an experience that transforms basic ingredients into a warm and inviting dish perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering of friends, this recipe brings people together, celebrates the bounty of summer produce, and showcases the magic that happens when you let heat work its wonders.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This pasta dish has all the hallmarks of a standout recipe: it’s quick to whip up, incredibly satisfying, and packed full of flavor. Imagine the vibrant sweetness of roasted tomatoes mingling with the subtly rich notes of garlic, all swathed in creamy ricotta. It’s as if each twist of pasta is a little hug for your taste buds!
“This dish changed my weeknight dinners! It’s simple yet feels special. I love how fresh and flavorful it is!”
How This Recipe Comes Together
Although it sounds fancy, preparing Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a breeze. The roasting time allows the tomatoes and garlic to concentrate in flavor, while the ricotta cheese adds a creamy element that perfectly coats the pasta. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll turn fresh produce into a comforting meal that everyone will adore.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make your pasta magic happen:
- 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 your preferred type)
- Pasta cooking water (reserve for consistency)
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes (optional for a kick)
- 120 g (1/2 cup) ricotta cheese
- Handful fresh basil leaves
- Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for serving
Note: If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you could substitute with cream cheese or mascarpone for a similar creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
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Arrange the halved tomatoes on a baking dish. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves and nestle it next to the tomatoes.
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Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft. For deeper flavor, cover with foil and roast for another 10 minutes.
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Cook your pasta al dente in heavily salted water according to package instructions. Make sure to reserve about 240ml (1 cup) of pasta cooking water before draining.
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Blend the roasted tomatoes and squeezed garlic with a handful of fresh basil and the optional chilli flakes. Add the ricotta and about 60ml (1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta cooking water. Blend until smooth.
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Combine the blended sauce with the cooked pasta in a large skillet. Toss until the pasta is coated, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan. Enjoy every bite!
How to Plate and Pair
This dish is not only delightful to eat but also gorgeous to present. Serve your pasta in deep bowls to keep it warm, and don’t hesitate to drizzle a little extra olive oil on top for a gourmet finish. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and a glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, to elevate your meal.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Tips for Success
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The freshness of your tomatoes and basil will significantly affect the taste, so opt for high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
- Don’t Skip the Roasting: Roasting the tomatoes and garlic is crucial for developing depth of flavor. It’s worth the wait!
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this dish! Consider adding sautéed spinach or roasted zucchini for extra veggies. If you’re craving protein, grilled chicken or shrimp could easily amp up the dish. And for a kick, try infusing your olive oil with herbs or citrus zest before drizzling.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work well, but I recommend something that can hold the sauce, like fusilli or penne.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
Cream cheese or mascarpone can be used in a pinch. For a dairy-free option, try cashew cream or a vegan ricotta recipe.
How can I store leftovers safely?
Keep your pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Dive into this delightful Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta and let the comforting flavors warm your heart. Happy cooking!
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange the halved tomatoes on a baking dish. Cut the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves and nestle it next to the tomatoes.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft. For deeper flavor, cover with foil and roast for another 10 minutes.
- Cook your pasta al dente in heavily salted water according to package instructions. Make sure to reserve about 240ml (1 cup) of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Blend the roasted tomatoes and squeezed garlic with a handful of fresh basil and the optional chilli flakes.
- Add the ricotta and about 60ml (1/4 cup) of the reserved pasta cooking water. Blend until smooth.
- Combine the blended sauce with the cooked pasta in a large skillet.
- Toss until the pasta is coated, adding more reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan.
- Enjoy every bite!
