Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

Few dishes strike the perfect balance between comfort food and elegant simplicity like Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta. It’s creamy, rich, flavorful—and surprisingly easy to make. With just a few fresh ingredients and a bit of roasting magic, this pasta transforms your dinner table into an Italian countryside moment.

Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly evening or need a quick but impressive weeknight dinner, this dish delivers. In fact, it’s more than a recipe—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor each bite, and maybe even fall in love with pasta all over again.

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s explore what makes this dish so special—and why roasted tomatoes and garlic deserve more credit in your culinary routine. Their flavor transformation in the oven is not just delicious—it’s next-level.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

• Creamy, no-cream sauce: The ricotta gives this dish its signature velvety texture without any heavy cream.
• Sweet and savory balance: Roasting tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness while mellowing out garlic’s bite.
• One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, big flavor payoff.
• Naturally vegetarian: A wholesome, hearty dish that satisfies without the meat.

The health benefits of tomatoes are an added bonus—did you know they’re rich in antioxidants like lycopene? Learn more about the nutritional value of tomatoes and why they’re more than just a pasta ingredient.

The Secret Is in the Roast

The depth of flavor in this dish comes from roasting. Tomatoes caramelize and garlic softens into a spreadable, almost sweet paste. If you’ve never roasted garlic before, it’s a must-try technique. It adds a buttery, rich essence that infuses the sauce beautifully. Check out this guide on how to roast garlic properly to get it just right every time.

Once blended with full-fat ricotta and a splash of starchy pasta water, the result is a luscious sauce with a rustic charm that coats every noodle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta at home:

• 450g (1 lb) pasta – Rigatoni, penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work well
• 450g (1 lb) vine or plum tomatoes, halved
• 1 whole garlic bulb (or 4 large cloves), unpeeled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 120g (½ cup) full-fat ricotta cheese
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• Handful of fresh basil, torn
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
• 240ml (1 cup) reserved pasta water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Roast Tomatoes and Garlic

• Place halved tomatoes cut-side up on the baking tray.
• Trim the top of the garlic bulb and add it to the tray.
• Drizzle everything with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Roast for 20 minutes uncovered, then tent with foil and roast for 10 more minutes.

Tomatoes should be slightly collapsed and juicy; garlic should be golden and buttery-soft.

3. Boil the Pasta

• While the veggies roast, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
• Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Blend the Sauce

• Squeeze roasted garlic from the skins into a blender.
• Add roasted tomatoes, ricotta, chili flakes (if using), and a splash of pasta water.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Dish

• Return drained pasta to the pot.
• Pour in the sauce and toss to coat.
• Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
• Stir in fresh basil just before serving.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Plate the pasta, top with grated Parmesan, and finish with a few extra basil leaves.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

• Use overripe tomatoes: They yield the sweetest, richest sauce.
• Don’t over-blend: A slightly chunky texture keeps it rustic and homey.
• Add-ins to try:
  • Steamed spinach
  • Grilled zucchini
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Italian sausage or chicken for a meaty twist
• Canned tomatoes? No problem! Just drain and roast as usual—perfect for winter versions.

Make It Your Own

Want to turn this recipe into your signature dish? Here are some fun twists to try:

• Add lemon zest to the ricotta for brightness.
• Swap basil for fresh thyme or oregano.
• Finish with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for crunch.
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto for added herbaceous depth.

Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat with fresh pasta.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce without breaking it.
• Meal prep tip: Double the roasted tomato and garlic mixture and freeze for future pasta nights.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 17g
• Carbs: 60g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 380mg

This dish is naturally vegetarian and can be made gluten-free with pasta alternatives like rice noodles or lentil-based pasta.

FAQs About Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

What is roasted tomato ricotta pasta?

It’s a creamy pasta dish that blends roasted tomatoes and garlic with ricotta cheese to create a savory, slightly sweet sauce that pairs beautifully with any pasta shape.

How do you make ricotta sauce with roasted garlic?

Simply blend the roasted garlic cloves with ricotta, a splash of pasta water, and roasted tomatoes until smooth. The result is a rich, mellow, and flavor-packed sauce.

Can I use canned tomatoes?

Yes! In off-season months, canned tomatoes are a great substitute. Just drain them and roast as you would fresh. The roasting process intensifies their flavor and removes excess moisture.

What pasta shapes work best?

Hearty shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or penne cling to the creamy sauce beautifully, but even spaghetti or tagliatelle work if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I bake this dish?

Absolutely! After mixing the pasta and sauce, spread it in a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is the kind of dish that comforts and surprises all at once. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, it offers complex flavor, creamy richness, and soulful satisfaction. Whether you’re gathering friends for dinner or winding down after a long day, this pasta delivers big on both flavor and feeling.