Creamy garlic pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil on a plate

Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta Sauce

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Created on December 4th, 2025 at 04:48 pm

Creamy Roasted Tomato–Garlic Sauce

Imagine walking into your kitchen and breathing in the warm, savory aroma of roasted garlic mingling with the sweet fragrance of cherry tomatoes. This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta Sauce is the perfect blend of flavors that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. As the tomatoes blister and caramelize in the oven, their vibrant red color deepens, while garlic turns to a buttery softness. When you mix everything with creamy ricotta cheese, the sauce becomes a lovely, velvety texture that clings to each strand of pasta.

This dish creates a comforting mood, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. The warmth of the baked ingredients fills your kitchen with a delightful symphony of tantalizing sounds—the gentle bubbling of sauce and the faint hiss of sizzling garlic. As you serve it up, the warmth radiates from the bowl, inviting everyone to enjoy a hearty meal. With each bite, the rich creaminess of the sauce dances on your palate, while the subtle hint of basil brings a refreshing note. It’s a dish that not only nourishes but also brings joy and warmth to the table.

Fettuccine in creamy garlic sauce with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil

Quick Facts

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Kitchen Utensils

Cooking should be smooth and enjoyable, and having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. Simple, reliable utensils keep the focus on your delicious meal without causing extra stress. Here’s a short list of what you’ll need to create this delightful pasta sauce:

  • Baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Blender or food processor
  • Pot for cooking pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta

A Family Favorite

There’s something magical about how a simple recipe can hold deep connections to family traditions. This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta Sauce comes from my childhood, where my grandmother would whip up a batch whenever the garden tomatoes were ripe and bursting with flavor. I can still picture her in the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour, carefully roasting garlic alongside tomatoes, filling the air with a rich, inviting scent.

On chilly evenings, the whole family would gather around the table, eager for her delicious creations. The laughter flowed as she tossed the pasta in that creamy sauce, the vibrant colors of the meal reflecting the warmth in our hearts. Each bowl served was not just a plate of food, but a memory of love, togetherness, and comfort. Now, as I make this dish for my own family, I can feel that same warmth wrapping around us, making it a cherished recipe that lasts through generations.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pasta of choice
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Cooking Experience

From the moment you start preparing the ingredients, the kitchen starts to come alive. The rich red of the cherry tomatoes shines against the pale garlic cloves as you combine them in a baking dish. The sound of olive oil swirling around the vegetables adds a comforting note to the symphony of aromas filling the air. As you sprinkle salt and pepper, the anticipation builds, knowing the magic is about to happen.

Once the dish joins the heat of the oven, your senses are treated to a rich tapestry of scents. Roasting tomatoes release their sweetness, and garlic takes on a nutty, warm aroma, inviting you closer. The transformation is delightful; the once-firm tomatoes soften and their juices mingle, creating a base for your sauce. When you blend in the ricotta, a luscious creaminess emerges, contrasting beautifully with the tangy sweetness. Tossed together with your favorite pasta, it becomes an irresistible plate of comfort that feels like a warm embrace.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
  4. In a blender, combine the roasted tomatoes and garlic with ricotta cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  6. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

  • Cherry tomatoes can be swapped for larger tomatoes, just chop them into smaller pieces.
  • For a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes while roasting.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese into the sauce before blending.
  • Substitute ricotta with cream cheese for a tangier option.
  • If you like a bit of acidity, a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavor profile.
  • This sauce holds well, so consider doubling the recipe for leftovers!
  • Use whole wheat pasta for an extra nutty flavor and healthy twist.

Storage & Make Ahead

This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta Sauce is easy to store and a joy to serve later. To keep it fresh, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. When reheating, a gentle warm-up in a skillet with a splash of olive oil keeps the creaminess intact. If you’re prepping ahead of time, roast the tomatoes and garlic earlier in the day and blend them with the ricotta just before serving. This way, you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal without much fuss.

FAQ

Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! Any ripe, juicy tomatoes will work, although cherry tomatoes provide a lovely sweetness.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to ensure everyone can enjoy it without worry.

Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, the sauce freezes well in an airtight container. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

What can I serve this sauce with?
It pairs wonderfully with any pasta, but you can also use it with baked chicken or as a pizza base.

How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild and creamy, but you can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes to suit your taste.

Enjoy Your Meal!

As you wrap up your cooking journey, remember that this Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta Sauce is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to gather loved ones and create memories around the table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish will surely warm hearts and fill bellies. So save it for later, share it with friends, or jump right into cooking it tonight! Happy cooking!

Creamy garlic pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil on a plate

Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta Sauce

Zac, the creator of Eat Every Slice, smiling in a kitchen while wearing an apron, specializing in Italian-American recipes.Zac
A velvety, rich pasta sauce made with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and creamy ricotta cheese, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the sauce

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes Use ripe ones for best sweetness.
  • 3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese Can substitute with cream cheese.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pasta of choice Cook according to package instructions.
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Cooking

  • Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
  • In a blender, combine the roasted tomatoes and garlic with ricotta cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  • Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Cherry tomatoes can be swapped for larger tomatoes, add crushed red pepper flakes for spice, or sprinkle Parmesan cheese for richer flavor. Holds well for leftovers, double the recipe if desired.
Keyword Creamy, Family Recipe, Garlic, Pasta Sauce, Roasted Tomato

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