Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

If Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta sounds like the kind of dinner you’d order at a cute little Italian spot and then immediately try to recreate at home… hi, same. And the best part? This one is actually doable on a regular Tuesday when you’re tired, hungry, and one minor inconvenience away from eating cereal.

This pasta is warm, creamy, and full of roasted, jammy tomato goodness—plus that mellow, sweet roasted garlic that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve got your life together (even if you absolutely do not).

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

• Big flavor, low effort: The oven does the heavy lifting while you boil pasta.
• Comfort food energy: Creamy ricotta + sweet roasted tomatoes = cozy in a bowl.
• Flexible: Use whatever pasta shape you’ve got. This recipe is not here to judge your pantry.
• Perfect for busy nights: Minimal chopping, minimal stress, maximum “wow, I made this?”

Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Here’s what’s pulling all the weight in this dish (and bless them for it):

• Tomatoes
  The heart of this dish! Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness and deepens their flavor, creating a rich, velvety base for the sauce. As they cook, they become soft and slightly caramelized, making every bite a little burst of summer.
• Garlic
  The secret ingredient that transforms the dish. Roasting garlic softens its sharpness and brings out its mellow, sweet, and fragrant qualities. It infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen and adds a layer of depth to the dish.
• Ricotta
  This creamy cheese is the perfect companion to the roasted tomatoes. Its mild flavor and rich texture create a silky smooth sauce that beautifully balances the acidity of the tomatoes. It also gives the dish a luxurious mouthfeel, making each bite extra comforting.
• Pasta
  The vehicle that brings all the ingredients together! Whether you choose spaghetti, rigatoni, or another favorite, pasta serves as the perfect base to catch every drop of sauce. It gives the dish its satisfying heartiness and texture.
• Fresh Herbs (basil, oregano, thyme—whatever you have on hand)
  Add a burst of freshness to the dish. The herbs elevate the flavors, providing a subtle yet vibrant contrast to the richness of the ricotta and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Parmesan
  A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top ties everything together with its salty, nutty flavor. It’s the finishing touch that gives the dish a delightful savory contrast and a touch of indulgence.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How to Make Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

Step 1: Heat the oven

Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup—because we’re cooking, not auditioning for a dishwashing competition.

Step 2: Prep the tomatoes

Halve your tomatoes and place them cut-side up on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss lightly to coat. Spread them out in a nice even layer.

Step 3: Add the garlic

Peel and smash 6–8 garlic cloves, leaving them whole. Scatter them around the tomatoes so they roast together like best friends.

Step 4: Roast

Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft, bursting, and slightly caramelized. Your kitchen will smell so good you may consider inviting people over just to casually walk past the oven.

Step 5: Boil pasta

While everything roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente.
Before draining, save 1 cup of pasta water (this is liquid gold for sauces).

Step 6: Mash the sauce base

Take the tomatoes and garlic out of the oven. Use a fork or potato masher to gently mash everything right on the baking sheet, releasing all those juices into a thick, flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Add ricotta

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the mashed tomato-garlic mixture and 1 cup ricotta until creamy.
Too thick? Add pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s silky and spoonable.

Step 8: Toss with pasta

Add drained pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated. Add more pasta water if needed—nobody wants dry pasta sadness.

Step 9: Herbs, please

Stir in your fresh herbs (basil, oregano, thyme—whatever you’ve got). Give it one last toss.

Step 10: Serve and finish

Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan. (Yes, generous. We’re not being shy today.)

Tips for a Creamier, Dreamier Pasta

• Don’t skip the pasta water. It helps the sauce cling to the noodles and smooth out the ricotta.
• Want extra richness? Add a drizzle of olive oil right before serving. It makes everything taste “fancy.”
• If your sauce looks a little lumpy at first: breathe. Ricotta can be dramatic. Keep stirring and add a splash of pasta water—she’ll calm down.
• Roast until the tomatoes burst. That’s where the deep, sweet flavor comes from.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This is one of those recipes I started making on nights when I needed dinner to feel comforting but didn’t have the energy for anything complicated. The first time I made it, I remember thinking, “Is this… too easy to taste this good?”

Now it’s my go-to when I want something cozy that still feels fresh. Also, my house smells like roasted garlic afterward, and honestly? That’s a win even if dinner somehow disappears faster than I can sit down.

FAQs About Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

One More Bowl for the Road

If you need a dinner that feels like a hug but still comes together without chaos, Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta is it. It’s cozy, creamy, and full of roasted tomato flavor that tastes like you worked way harder than you did (our little secret).

Make it once, and I’m warning you now—you’ll start craving it the second you run out of leftovers.

Keep the Comfort Going (You’ll Love These Too)

If this Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta hit the spot, don’t stop here—there are more cozy, feel-good dinners waiting for you. Here are a few reader favorites that bring the same warm, creamy, “everyone’s quiet because they’re busy eating” kind of vibes:

• Eggplant and Sun-Dried Tomato Ricotta Pasta — Creamy, tangy, and packed with that rich tomato flavor you clearly adore (great for pasta night when you want something a little different).
• Southern-Style Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta — Extra comforting and super creamy—aka the “blanket in a bowl” dinner for busy weeknights.
• Chicken Penne with Mushroom and Asparagus — A lighter-but-still-satisfying pasta that feels fresh, easy, and totally weeknight-friendly.
• Chicken Orzo Tomato Soup — If you love tomato flavor, this one is like a cozy hug with a spoon (and it’s amazing for leftovers).

If you try this recipe (or any of these), I’d love to hear what you think—scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star review. Your stars and comments help other home cooks find their next favorite dinner!

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