Creamy Roasted Tomato Ricotta Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto
Tags: Dinner Italian Pasta Pork
Yield: 6
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 6-10 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
- crushed red pepper flakes
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 8 slices prosciutto leave out if vegetarian
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 pound long or short cut pasta
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- Preheat oven to 425° F.
- On a baking sheet, toss together the olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, 2 tablespoons thyme, rosemary, and a pinch each of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Arrange the prosciutto on top of the tomatoes. Bake 15-20 minutes, until the prosciutto is crisp and the tomatoes are bursting.
- Add 2/3's of the tomatoes, the garlic, and the ricotta to a food processor. Puree until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain.
- In the same pot, melt together the butter and 1 tablespoon of thyme. Cook until the butter is browning, then add the tomato puree and 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, stirring until combined. Melt in the gouda and parmesan.
- Add the pasta and remaining tomatoes to the sauce, tossing to combine. If needed, thin the sauce with a little of the reserved pasta cooking water.
- Divide the pasta between plates. Top with parmesan, prosciutto, and fresh basil. EAT and ENJOY.
