Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta with Whipped Ricotta & Crispy Prosciutto

When summer tomatoes are at their peak, there’s no better way to enjoy them than roasting until they burst with sweetness. This pasta dish takes that classic tomato-basil combo and gives it a major upgrade. Instead of simple mozzarella, we’re topping it with creamy whipped ricotta that melts into every bite, while crispy shards of prosciutto add just the right amount of salty crunch.

It’s comforting, fresh, and elegant all at once—the kind of meal that feels perfect for a summer evening on the patio, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. One forkful and you’ll wonder why you ever ate tomato basil pasta any other way.

Ingredients

• 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
• 4 slices prosciutto
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Roast the Tomatoes
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Roast for 15–20 minutes until blistered and slightly caramelized.
2. Make the Whipped Ricotta
   • Blend ricotta with 1 tbsp cream (or milk), lemon zest, salt, and pepper until smooth and airy.
   • Set aside in the fridge until serving.
3. Crisp the Prosciutto
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay prosciutto slices flat and cook until crisp (about 2–3 minutes per side).
   • Remove and crumble into small shards.
4. Cook the Pasta
   • In a large pot, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
5. Build the Sauce
   • In a skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant.
   • Add roasted tomatoes and toss gently, smashing some with the back of a spoon.
   • Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing until saucy. Stir in fresh basil.
6. Assemble & Serve
   • Divide pasta into bowls. Top each with a generous spoonful of whipped ricotta.
   • Sprinkle with crispy prosciutto crumbles.
   • Garnish with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.