Can I use cherry tomatoes for roasted tomato pasta?

Yes, cherry tomatoes are actually ideal for Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta. They roast quickly, become beautifully blistered, and deliver intense sweetness that pairs perfectly with creamy ricotta. Their natural size makes them easy to roast whole without prep.

How do you make ricotta pasta creamy?

The key is to stir room-temperature ricotta into the tomato-garlic mixture off heat. Adding a splash of pasta water emulsifies the sauce, giving it a silky, creamy consistency. Whole-milk ricotta and gentle stirring are essential.

What herbs pair best with roasted tomato and garlic ricotta pasta?

Fresh basil is the go-to herb, but thyme, oregano, and parsley also work wonderfully. For a fresh summer twist, try mint. All of these herbs balance the sweetness of tomatoes and richness of ricotta without overpowering them.

Can this ricotta pasta be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Roast your tomatoes and garlic in advance, and refrigerate separately from the ricotta mixture. Combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. Leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of liquid and an extra spoon of ricotta to revive creaminess.

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta – 5 Ultimate Delicious Creamy Tips

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cherry tomatoes
6 cloves garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
8 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
Fresh basil for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread cherry tomatoes and garlic on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season, and roast for 25 minutes.
Boil pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
In a pan, mash roasted garlic and tomatoes into a chunky sauce.
Add ricotta and reserved pasta water to sauce, stirring gently off heat.
Add cooked pasta to sauce, tossing until fully coated and creamy.
Serve with fresh basil and optional parmesan or red pepper flakes.

Notes

Use whole-milk ricotta for the best creamy texture.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water.
Add grilled chicken or spinach for extra protein and flavor.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Roasting, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian