Tomatoes are often regarded as the quintessential summer ingredient, bursting with flavor and vibrant color. When roasted, they not only intensify in flavor but also acquire a sweet, caramelized richness that pairs beautifully with creamy ingredients like ricotta. Add garlic, a touch of herbs, and a generous portion of pasta, and you’ve got a dish that sings with warmth and comfort.
The Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta recipe takes this humble combination of ingredients and elevates it to a meal that can be enjoyed on any day of the week. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
In this article, we will break down each step of the recipe and also provide some tips to make it even better. Let’s dive into how to prepare this easy, flavorful dish from scratch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients handy. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes (or any small tomato variety)
• 6-10 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat)
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 slices prosciutto (omit for a vegetarian version)
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 pound long or short pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work best)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese (optional, but adds a smoky flavor)
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish
These ingredients are not just the staples of a great pasta but also help in creating a deep, rich flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tomatoes
The first step in this recipe involves roasting the tomatoes, which will concentrate their flavors and add a beautiful caramelized touch. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take a baking sheet and toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, fresh thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated, allowing the herbs to infuse the tomatoes.
Next, arrange the prosciutto on top of the tomatoes. The prosciutto will crisp up in the oven, adding a delicious crunch and saltiness to the dish. Roasting them together is not only efficient but also helps infuse the flavors into one another. Roast everything for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the prosciutto turns crispy.
Tip: If you’re opting for a vegetarian version, you can easily replace the prosciutto with crispy fried breadcrumbs for added texture or just skip it altogether.
Step 2: Blend the Roasted Tomatoes
Once the tomatoes are roasted and softened, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the tomatoes cool for a moment before transferring 2/3 of the roasted tomatoes, along with the garlic and ricotta, into a blender or food processor. Puree everything until smooth. The ricotta will add a creamy texture, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and making the sauce velvety.
Taste your sauce at this point, and add more salt or pepper if needed. This is where you can really fine-tune the flavors to your liking.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This water contains starch and can be added to the sauce later to help thin it out and make the texture creamier.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same pot that you cooked the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter starts to brown slightly, add 1 tablespoon of thyme for an extra burst of flavor. After the butter has melted and turned slightly golden, pour in the tomato and ricotta puree. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Now, add the gouda cheese and parmesan. These cheeses will enhance the flavor profile of the sauce, adding richness and depth. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once your pasta is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, along with the remaining roasted tomatoes. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to keep a little pasta water aside in case you need to loosen the sauce further. The starchy water helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Finally, divide the pasta into serving plates. Top each plate with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and crispy prosciutto. A few fresh basil leaves on top will add a burst of color and a fresh flavor that completes the dish.
Serve your Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta immediately while it’s still hot. If you’re serving it for a special occasion, a side of garlic bread or a light green salad pairs beautifully with this dish.
Why This Recipe Works
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is more than just a simple pasta dish. It combines several key elements that elevate its taste and texture to a whole new level. Let’s break down why each component of this recipe works so well together:
The Roasted Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and reduces their acidity. The slow roasting process caramelizes the sugars in the tomatoes, resulting in a richer, more concentrated flavor. This is why roasting is such a game-changer in many pasta dishes, especially when paired with creamy ingredients like ricotta.
The Garlic
Garlic adds depth and a savory note to the dish, and roasting it alongside the tomatoes allows it to become mellow and sweet. Instead of the sharp, pungent flavor that raw garlic has, roasted garlic offers a subtle warmth that blends perfectly with the creamy ricotta and the rich tomatoes.
The Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese plays a crucial role in creating a silky and smooth sauce. It’s creamy but not overwhelmingly heavy, which allows it to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. It also adds a slight tanginess that enhances the overall flavor profile, while contributing to the luxurious texture of the sauce.
The Prosciutto
The crispy prosciutto adds a much-needed contrast in both flavor and texture. Its salty, savory crunch complements the creaminess of the ricotta and the sweetness of the tomatoes. It’s an optional ingredient, but it truly elevates the dish to a new level, offering a touch of indulgence.
Fresh Herbs and Cheese
Fresh thyme and rosemary bring aromatic flavors that enhance the tomato sauce. The herbs give the dish an earthy foundation, while parmesan and gouda cheeses provide a rich, umami-packed finish. Gouda adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the roasted tomatoes, while parmesan brings an extra sharpness that balances everything out.
Tips to Make This Dish Even Better
While this recipe is already delicious, there are always ways to tweak it and make it even more spectacular. Here are some tips to consider:
1. Use Heirloom Tomatoes
- While cherry tomatoes are the standard, you can switch them out for heirloom tomatoes for an even more flavorful and visually appealing dish. Heirloom tomatoes often have a deeper, more complex flavor and a variety of colors that can make your pasta pop.
2. Add a Touch of Balsamic Vinegar
- If you want to elevate the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes even more, a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting them will add a touch of acidity and depth, making the flavors even more robust.
3. Make it a One-Pot Meal
- To reduce cleanup and make the process easier, consider cooking the pasta directly in the same pan that you roast the tomatoes and garlic. You can toss everything together once the sauce is ready, creating a true one-pot meal.
4. Vegetarian Option
- As mentioned earlier, you can omit the prosciutto for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to give it extra texture and flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Pasta
- If you’re following a gluten-free diet, feel free to use gluten-free pasta. The creamy tomato sauce and the rich flavors will work perfectly with any gluten-free variety.
6. Spicy Kick
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the tomato mixture. The slight heat will contrast nicely with the creamy ricotta.
7. Make it Vegan
- To make this dish completely vegan, you can substitute ricotta with cashew cream or any plant-based ricotta alternative. For the cheese, a vegan parmesan can be used to maintain the flavor profile.
8. Add a Protein
- To make this a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed sausage. These proteins pair beautifully with the rich tomato sauce and will turn the dish into a complete meal.
Pairing Your Pasta
This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is rich and creamy, so pairing it with a light, refreshing side dish can help balance out the flavors. Here are some excellent pairings:
1. Garlic Bread
- A classic pairing, garlic bread is the perfect side to scoop up any leftover sauce. Its crispy texture and buttery flavor make it an ideal companion to the creamy pasta.
2. Green Salad
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider using arugula, mixed greens, or baby spinach for a fresh and light salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus would work wonderfully with this dish. Their slightly charred flavor will complement the richness of the pasta and add another layer of texture.
4. Wine Pairing
- For wine lovers, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs well with the freshness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the ricotta. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir will also do the trick.
The Benefits of This Recipe
Aside from being absolutely delicious, this recipe also has several benefits that make it a great addition to your cooking repertoire:
• Nutrient-Rich – Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which is known for its heart-healthy benefits. Garlic is also great for boosting the immune system, and ricotta cheese provides a good source of protein.
• Quick and Easy – Despite the gourmet flavors, this dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
• Customizable – As mentioned earlier, this recipe can be made vegetarian, vegan, or even meat-lover-friendly. You can add more vegetables or proteins depending on your preferences.
• Comfort Food – The creamy sauce and comforting pasta make it a perfect dish to enjoy during the colder months, or whenever you crave something filling and satisfying.
The Power of Roasting
Roasting is a simple yet incredibly effective technique that transforms everyday ingredients like tomatoes and garlic into something extraordinary. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about enhancing the natural flavors. By roasting tomatoes, you’re bringing out their sweet, savory notes, and by roasting garlic, you’re mellowing out its sharpness into a soft, subtle richness. This method works wonders when making sauces, especially when paired with the creamy, slightly tangy ricotta cheese.
Creating a Silky, Smooth Sauce
One of the highlights of this dish is the creamy tomato sauce. By blending the roasted tomatoes and garlic with ricotta, you’re creating a velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully. The ricotta not only contributes creaminess but also a slight tang, which helps balance out the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes. This combination of creaminess and acidity is what makes the sauce so irresistible.
When you add gouda and parmesan cheese, the sauce becomes even richer, with the gouda lending a subtle smokiness and the parmesan providing a sharp, salty kick. These two cheeses are essential in taking the flavor profile of the pasta from simple to gourmet. They contribute depth, making each bite more complex and satisfying.
Textural Contrast: The Importance of Prosciutto
While you can certainly enjoy this pasta without the prosciutto, it’s the crispy, salty crunch that adds a contrast to the smooth, creamy sauce. The prosciutto, when roasted alongside the tomatoes, crisps up beautifully and provides that irresistible bite. It’s like adding a crispy garnish that complements the rest of the dish in both flavor and texture.
If you’re not a fan of prosciutto or want a vegetarian version, consider using crispy chickpeas or roasted nuts, which will add a similar crunch without compromising the flavor.
The Secret to Perfect Pasta
The final secret to perfect Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is the pasta itself. Whether you opt for long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine, or short pasta like penne or rigatoni, the key is to cook it al dente. This ensures that the pasta holds up well against the creamy sauce and doesn’t become too mushy.
Another tip is to make sure you reserve some of the pasta water. This starchy water is invaluable when you’re combining the pasta with the sauce. It helps to thin out the sauce and ensures that it clings beautifully to the noodles. The pasta water also adds a level of silkiness to the final dish, making it feel luxurious.
Scaling the Recipe for Different Servings
This recipe is versatile in terms of servings. If you’re cooking for two, simply halve the ingredients. For larger gatherings, you can easily double or even triple the quantities. The roasting and sauce preparation remains the same, so you don’t need to worry about adjusting those steps. Just make sure you use a larger pan when roasting the tomatoes to ensure they have enough room to spread out and caramelize evenly.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re looking to prepare this dish in advance, there are a few tricks you can follow to make your life easier:
Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic Ahead of Time
Roasting the tomatoes and garlic in advance is a great way to save time. You can roast them the day before, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to make the pasta, simply blend them with the ricotta and proceed with the recipe as usual.Store the Sauce Separately
You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time. Once the tomato and ricotta mixture is made, store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss it with the pasta and the reserved pasta water. This way, you’re only spending time cooking the pasta, which takes just a few minutes.Freezing
If you want to make a larger batch for future meals, you can freeze the roasted tomato sauce. Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving with fresh pasta.
Customizing the Recipe for Your Taste
The beauty of a dish like Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is how easily it can be customized. Depending on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand, you can make several adjustments:
1. Add Extra Veggies
Feel free to throw in additional vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can roast them along with the tomatoes, or sauté them separately and stir them into the sauce at the end.
2. Switch Up the Cheese
While ricotta, gouda, and parmesan are the stars of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. For example, mascarpone can add an even richer creaminess, while a sharp cheddar will introduce a bolder flavor.
3. Make It Spicy
If you love heat, bump up the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add a fresh chili pepper into the mix. A dash of hot sauce can also do wonders for adding spice without overpowering the dish.
4. Switch to a Different Protein
If prosciutto isn’t to your liking, you could swap it out for grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or even a vegetarian protein like chickpeas. The key is to maintain a contrast in texture—something crispy or slightly chewy to balance the creamy pasta.
FAQs On Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
1. Can I use ricotta as a pasta sauce?
Yes, ricotta can be used as a pasta sauce! When blended with ingredients like roasted tomatoes and garlic, ricotta creates a smooth, creamy texture that works wonderfully as a sauce. It adds a subtle tang and richness, balancing out the acidity of tomatoes and enhancing the overall flavor of the pasta dish.
2. How to make ricotta tomato pasta?
To make ricotta tomato pasta, start by roasting tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and olive oil. After they’ve softened and caramelized, blend them with ricotta cheese to create a creamy sauce. Toss this sauce with cooked pasta, add some grated parmesan for extra flavor, and finish with fresh basil and prosciutto for a satisfying meal.
3. What do Italians eat ricotta with?
Italians enjoy ricotta in many dishes. It’s often used in pastas like lasagna and ravioli, where it can be mixed with spinach or herbs. Ricotta is also a popular filling for pastries like cannoli and ricotta cheesecake. Additionally, it pairs well with fruits, honey, or spreads on toasted bread for a simple yet delicious snack.
4. Can I make ricotta pasta sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the ricotta-based pasta sauce ahead of time. Simply prepare the sauce, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta. This makes for a great meal prep option.
5. Is this ricotta pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto. You can replace it with other ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, crispy chickpeas, or just enjoy it with the creamy tomato ricotta sauce. It’s a flexible recipe that can cater to various dietary preferences.
Recipe Card: Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes (or any small tomato variety)
- 6-10 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 slices prosciutto (omit for vegetarian version)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or preferred variety)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese (optional)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss the tomatoes with olive oil, smashed garlic, fresh thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Arrange the prosciutto on top of the tomatoes.
- Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the prosciutto crisps up.
- In a blender or food processor, combine 2/3 of the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and ricotta cheese. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of thyme. Stir until the butter begins to brown, then add the tomato-ricotta puree. Simmer for a few minutes, then stir in gouda and parmesan.
- Add cooked pasta and remaining roasted tomatoes. Toss until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with crispy prosciutto (if using) and fresh basil.
Notes:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit prosciutto or replace it with crispy fried breadcrumbs or roasted vegetables.
- Cheese Swap: Gouda can be substituted with mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Make Ahead: The tomato-ricotta sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.)
