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Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

This Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Roasting cherry tomatoes and garlic brings out their natural sweetness and richness, combined with olive oil, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese to create a comforting and delicious pasta meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 pound of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped

Pantry Items

  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
  2. Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Prepare Garlic: Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
  4. Season Tomatoes: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to coat all the tomatoes evenly.
  5. Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the tomatoes in a single layer on the sheet. Place the garlic head cut side up on the same sheet, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
  6. Roast: Roast the tomatoes and garlic in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft.
  7. Cook Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  8. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water. Do not rinse the pasta after draining.
  9. Cool Roasted Ingredients: Let the roasted tomatoes and garlic cool for a few minutes to handle safely.
  10. Extract Garlic: Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a large mixing bowl.
  11. Add Roasted Tomatoes: Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices from the baking sheet to the bowl with the garlic.
  12. Mash Mixture: Gently mash the tomatoes and garlic together with a fork or potato masher until combined but still slightly chunky.
  13. Add Seasoning: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  14. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  15. Add Fresh Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil for a fresh aromatic touch.
  16. Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if desired.
  17. Finish with Olive Oil: Drizzle with a bit more olive oil for added flavor and richness before serving.

Notes

  • You can use any shape of pasta, but spaghetti or linguine work best with this sauce.
  • Roasting intensifies the flavors; do not skip this step for best taste.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
  • If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the roasted mixture instead of mashing.
  • Reserve pasta water is critical to adjust the sauce’s consistency without diluting flavor.
  • Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated cheese may affect taste and texture.
  • This recipe can be made vegan by omitting Parmesan or using a vegan alternative.

Keywords: roasted tomato pasta, garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dish, roasted vegetables pasta

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/roasted-tomato-garlic-pasta-recipe/