Garlic Ricotta Pasta Roasted Tomato (Print Version)

Creamy pasta dish combining garlic-roasted cherry tomatoes with a rich ricotta-Parmesan sauce, finished with fresh basil and lemon.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
08 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place them on a baking sheet.
03 - Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
04 - Toss the tomatoes and garlic mixture together to ensure even coating.
05 - Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
06 - While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
07 - Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 9-11 minutes for spaghetti or penne.
08 - While the pasta cooks, prepare the ricotta sauce by combining the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, and lemon juice in a bowl.
09 - Once the pasta is al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
10 - Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it warm.
11 - When the roasted tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven and gently smash them with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
12 - Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices from the baking sheet to the pasta.
13 - Pour the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and toss everything together until well combined.
14 - If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
15 - Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
16 - Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with extra fresh basil or Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For an extra burst of flavor, try roasting the tomatoes for a few more minutes until they are slightly charred.
02 - Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
03 - If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the ricotta mixture.
04 - For more complexity, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili to the tomato mixture.
05 - This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a light salad.