Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta
This quick and easy spaghetti recipe comes together in no time with a flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta
Ingredients
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- 100 g fresh basil leaves
- 100 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp dried marjoram
- 2 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp chili flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 500 g spaghetti
Instructions
Cook the Spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic:
- Place the cherry tomatoes and the whole head of garlic (cut off the top to expose the cloves) in the air fryer. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 250°C for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and soft.
Prepare the Sauce:
- Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the soft cloves into a blender. Add the roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, dried herbs, chili flakes (if using), and the remaining olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Return the drained spaghetti to the pot or a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve:
- Divide the pasta into bowls, top with extra Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Boiling the Pasta: boil the spaghetti in heavily salted water (skip the oil!) to ensure it’s well-seasoned. Don’t rinse the pasta after draining—the starch helps the sauce stick beautifully
- Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce.
- Make it a Full Meal: Add your favorite protein to make it a complete dish: Grilled chicken, Sautéed shrimp. Cook the protein separately, then toss it into the pasta and sauce before serving.