Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

Creamy roasted tomato ricotta pasta delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected delight.

Mediterranean sunshine bursts through every forkful of this vibrant dish.

Ripe tomatoes caramelize into sweet, intense nuggets of pure pleasure.

Crispy prosciutto adds a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with smooth ricotta.

Fresh herbs whisper earthy notes throughout the entire composition.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated recipe that promises to transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

Dive into a plate that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

How To Store Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta With Prosciutto

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and prevent odors from affecting the dish.
• Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Properly stored, it will last up to 2 months. Avoid freezing prosciutto separately, as it may lose its crispy texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra pasta water to maintain moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, which helps restore the creamy sauce's consistency.

Tomato Ricotta Pasta Serving Tips

• Pair Perfectly with Wine: Select a crisp Italian white like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that complements the creamy ricotta and tangy roasted tomatoes with its bright, acidic profile.
• Elevate with Herbal Accompaniment: Serve a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, fresh contrast against the rich, creamy pasta texture.
• Match with Rustic Bread: Offer warm, crusty ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunchy element to the dining experience.
• Complement with Sparkling Beverage: Choose a chilled prosecco or sparkling water with lemon to cut through the richness and refresh the palate between bites.

Pasta Topping Alternatives

• Vegetarian Ricotta Pasta: Replace prosciutto with crispy roasted chickpeas for protein. Season chickpeas with smoked paprika and olive oil before baking until crunchy.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta made from chickpea, quinoa, or rice flour. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth. Use plant-based bacon bits or crispy tempeh instead of prosciutto. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate fresh oregano and a sprinkle of za'atar spice blend for extra Mediterranean complexity.

FAQs

• What makes the roasted tomatoes special in this recipe?

Roasting cherry tomatoes at 400°F caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying their flavor and creating a sweeter, more concentrated taste compared to raw tomatoes. This technique transforms them into a rich, jammy base for the pasta sauce.

• Can I use a different type of ham instead of prosciutto?

While prosciutto provides a delicate, crispy texture, you can substitute it with bacon or pancetta. Each will offer a slightly different flavor profile, but will still create a crispy topping that adds a savory crunch to the dish.

• How do I prevent the ricotta from becoming grainy when mixing?

To keep the ricotta smooth, lower the heat when adding it to the skillet and stir gently. The residual heat will help it melt and blend seamlessly with the other ingredients without breaking or becoming lumpy.

• Is this pasta dish considered vegetarian?

The original recipe is not vegetarian due to the prosciutto. To make it vegetarian, simply omit the crispy prosciutto or replace it with crispy breadcrumbs or roasted pine nuts for added texture.

What Makes Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta a Standout

• Elevate Weeknight Cooking: This pasta transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Texture Sensation: Crispy prosciutto adds a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts the creamy ricotta sauce and burst tomatoes, creating a multi-dimensional eating experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for vegetarian guests by omitting prosciutto, making it a fantastic option for diverse dinner gatherings or family meals.
• Quick Gourmet Solution: Delivers restaurant-quality results in less than an hour, proving you can create impressive dishes without complicated techniques or hours of preparation.

Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta Ingredient Essentials

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Classic Italian staple perfect for creamy dishes.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that burst with flavor when roasted.

• Prosciutto: Delicate Italian cured ham that becomes crispy when baked.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft and creamy cheese that creates smooth sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp Italian cheese for added depth.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall dish flavor.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds bright Mediterranean touch.

• Olive Oil: Smooth Italian oil for roasting and sautéing.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create silky sauce texture.

• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that provides deep savory base flavor.

Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta Preparation

Step 1: Roast Tomatoes and Crisp Prosciutto

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Scatter cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Simultaneously, arrange prosciutto slices on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast the tomatoes for 15-20 minutes until they burst and caramelize, and bake the prosciutto for 10-12 minutes until wonderfully crisp. Once done, break the prosciutto into delightful crunchy pieces.

Step 2: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until perfectly al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out a cup of starchy pasta water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant. Reduce the heat and gently fold in ricotta cheese, creating a luxurious base. Introduce the roasted tomatoes and splash in some reserved pasta water to develop a smooth, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Tumble the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to ensure every strand gets coated with the creamy sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to achieve the perfect texture. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan, scatter fresh chopped basil, and season with salt and pepper. Crown the dish with the crispy prosciutto pieces just before serving.

Pasta Advice for Tomato Ricotta Dish

Roast Tomatoes to Perfection: Choose ripe, vibrant cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor burst and caramelization during roasting.

Crisp Prosciutto Like a Pro: Watch prosciutto closely while baking to ensure it becomes crisp without burning, creating a delightful crunchy topping.

Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water before draining – its starchy goodness helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.

Balance Sauce Consistency: Add reserved pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness, aiming for a creamy texture that coats pasta beautifully.

Enhance Flavor Layers: Sauté garlic before adding ricotta to release its aromatic oils, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.

Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta With Crispy Prosciutto Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Roasted tomato ricotta pasta emerges as a luxurious Italian-inspired culinary adventure, blending rich flavors and textures. Crispy prosciutto crowns this elegant dish, promising a delightful balance of creamy comfort and savory crunch you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams fusilli or penne pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 100 grams prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Ingredients:

• Extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to a scorching 400°F (200°C), creating an ideal roasting environment for transforming delicate cherry tomatoes into caramelized flavor bombs.
2. Generously coat the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes until they burst and develop a rich, concentrated sweetness.
3. Simultaneously, lay prosciutto slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until they transform into crisp, golden fragments that will provide a dramatic textural contrast.
4. Cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Carefully preserve a cup of starchy pasta water, which will become crucial for creating a silky sauce.
5. In a spacious skillet, warm a drizzle of olive oil and introduce minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the kitchen.
6. Reduce heat and gently fold ricotta into the skillet, creating a luxurious base. Incorporate the roasted tomatoes and a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a velvety, cohesive sauce.
7. Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring each strand becomes lavishly coated with the creamy mixture. Adjust consistency with additional pasta water if needed.
8. Finish the dish by folding in freshly grated Parmesan, fragrant basil leaves, and seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavors.
9. Garnish with the crispy prosciutto shards just before serving, adding a delightful crunch and salty punch to the creamy pasta.

Notes

• Roast tomatoes until slightly charred and burst for deeper, sweeter flavor that intensifies the sauce’s richness.
• Use high-quality ricotta for maximum creaminess; room temperature ricotta blends more smoothly into the sauce.
• Crisp prosciutto adds incredible textural contrast and salty punch, transforming an ordinary pasta into a gourmet experience.
• For vegetarian version, swap prosciutto with toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs to maintain crunch and add nutty dimension.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg