This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines roasted tomatoes and garlic with creamy ricotta, creating a sauce that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this pasta will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Flavorful Ingredients: Roasting tomatoes and garlic enhances their natural sweetness, making each bite incredibly flavorful.
- Creamy Texture: The addition of ricotta cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with any pasta.
- Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite pasta shape or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Healthy Option: This pasta dish is packed with fresh ingredients, offering a nutritious yet indulgent meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, you’ll need some essential tools in the kitchen. These items will help you create the perfect Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking dish
- Blender
- Large skillet or pan
- Pot for boiling pasta
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking dish: Ideal for roasting the tomatoes and garlic evenly, ensuring maximum flavor.
- Blender: Essential for creating a smooth sauce that beautifully coats the pasta.
- Large skillet or pan: Perfect for combining the cooked pasta with the sauce without overcrowding.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A good pot ensures even cooking to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
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
How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that your tomatoes roast perfectly right from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes and Garlic
Place halved tomatoes in a baking dish. Cut the top off the whole garlic head, exposing the cloves, and position it next to the tomatoes.
Step 3: Season and Roast
Drizzle everything with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Cover and Finish Roasting
Remove from the oven, cover with kitchen foil, then return it to bake for another 10 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and caramelized, and the garlic is soft.
Step 5: Cook Pasta
While your veggies roast, cook your chosen pasta al dente. Use heavily salted water according to package instructions. Remember to reserve about 240ml (1 cup) of pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 6: Blend Sauce
Once roasted, squeeze out soft garlic cloves from their skin into a blender along with roasted tomatoes, basil leaves, and optional chilli flakes. Add ricotta cheese and about 60ml (1/4 cup) of reserved pasta cooking water. Blend until smooth.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large skillet or pan over medium heat, mix the blended tomato mixture with your cooked pasta. Toss until well-coated. Heat through while adding more reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
Step 8: Taste Test
Taste your dish! Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper as necessary.
Step 9: Serve
Serve your roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta in bowls. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
How to Serve Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Serving Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta can be a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to enhance your meal with various toppings and side options.
Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Add a handful of fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley can provide a refreshing taste that pairs well with the creamy ricotta.
Cheese Options
- Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta can introduce a tangy element that complements the roasted tomatoes beautifully.
Spice It Up
- Chilli Flakes: For those who love heat, adding extra chilli flakes can elevate the dish’s spice level.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.
Drizzle of Olive Oil
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds richness and depth.
Lemon Zest
- Zest of Lemon: Adding lemon zest on top can brighten the flavors, making each bite more vibrant.
How to Perfect Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Perfecting your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta will make it even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to ensure great results every time.
- Use ripe tomatoes: Choosing high-quality, ripe tomatoes will significantly enhance the sweetness and flavor of the dish.
- Adjust garlic to taste: If you love garlic, feel free to add more cloves for an extra punch.
- Blend until smooth: For the best texture, blend the tomato mixture until completely smooth before combining with pasta.
- Reserve pasta water wisely: Use just enough reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency without making it too watery.
Best Side Dishes for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Pairing side dishes with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: This classic choice is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your pasta dish.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies can add both color and nutrients to your meal.
- Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes and basil, bruschetta makes for a flavorful starter that complements your main course.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make a delightful pairing.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds an elegant touch while providing crunchiness against the creamy pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be a breeze if you steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid when making Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta.
- Wrong Pasta Type: Using the wrong type of pasta can affect the dish’s texture. Stick to lighter pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine for better sauce adherence.
- Overcrowding the Baking Dish: If you place too many tomatoes on the baking dish, they may steam instead of roast. Ensure there’s enough space between each tomato for even cooking.
- Neglecting to Season: Skipping seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for a well-balanced dish.
- Not Reserving Enough Pasta Water: Forgetting to reserve pasta water can result in a dry sauce. Make sure to keep some aside; it’s key for achieving the perfect creamy consistency.
- Skipping Fresh Herbs: Not using fresh basil or other herbs will reduce flavor depth. Always add herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow it to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.
Freezing Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Portion into individual servings for easier thawing.
Reheating Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Heat gently on low, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
You can use canned tomatoes, but fresh tomatoes provide superior flavor and texture.
How do I customize my Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or substitute different cheeses such as goat cheese for a unique twist.
What can I serve with Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta?
Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The total time is approximately 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a comforting meal that brings joy to your table!
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta, a quick and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese, creating a delicious sauce that envelops your favorite pasta. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of about 40 minutes, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with fresh ingredients, making it a healthy option for everyone at the table. Impress family and friends with this delightful Italian-inspired dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 450 g ripe medium vine tomatoes
- 1 small whole garlic head
- 30 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 225 g pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 120 g ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Halve the tomatoes and place them in a baking dish. Cut the top off the garlic head and add it to the dish.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 20 minutes.
- Cover with foil and roast for an additional 10 minutes until tomatoes are blistered.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some cooking water before draining.
- Squeeze roasted garlic into a blender, add tomatoes, basil, ricotta, and reserved pasta water; blend until smooth.
- Combine blended sauce with drained pasta in a skillet over medium heat, tossing to coat evenly.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve garnished with fresh basil and parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
