Dinner

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines sweet, caramelized tomatoes with creamy ricotta and fresh basil. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

This image shows a black round pan filled with a layered dish. The bottom layer is light golden pasta or noodles arranged in a circular swirl pattern. On top of the pasta is a ring of roasted cherry tomatoes, bright red with a slightly soft texture. The center features a creamy white cheese or sauce with a smooth texture, sprinkled with black pepper and green basil pieces. A fresh basil leaf is placed on the very center for garnish. The pan is on a white marbled surface with some green basil leaves and whole cherry tomatoes nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Roast the tomatoes for 20-25 minutes, until soft and slightly caramelized.
Step 5: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Step 6: Cook pasta according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
Step 7: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and lemon juice to prepare the sauce.
Step 8: Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
Step 9: Remove roasted tomatoes from the oven and gently smash them to release their juices.
Step 10: Add the tomatoes and their juices to the pasta.
Step 11: Pour the ricotta mixture over the pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
Step 12: If the sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Step 13: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Step 14: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when tossing the tomatoes before roasting.
Substitute fresh oregano for dried if available, adjusting quantity to taste.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten intolerance.
Swap ricotta cheese with mascarpone for a richer sauce.
Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a black skillet filled with a creamy pasta dish arranged in a spiral pattern. The outer layer is light golden pasta strands coiled neatly to form a base. Inside the spiral, there are roasted cherry tomatoes, bright red with a slightly charred texture, evenly spaced in a ring. The center layer is a thick dollop of creamy white cheese, lightly sprinkled with black pepper and small green basil pieces. On top of the cheese, there is a fresh basil leaf as a garnish. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface, with some basil leaves and cherry tomatoes scattered nearby for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes, Roma or grape tomatoes work well too. Just adjust roasting time as needed based on their size and juiciness.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

It can be prepared in advance and stored, but it’s best served fresh to enjoy the creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Reheat gently to prevent the ricotta sauce from separating.