Description
Enjoy a delicious Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta made with sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes and roasted garlic, tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound of cherry tomatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the tomatoes in a single layer. Place the garlic head cut side up on the same sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft.
- While the tomatoes and garlic roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Do not rinse.
- Once roasted, let the tomatoes and garlic cool for a few minutes.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the roasted tomatoes and any juices from the baking sheet.
- Gently mash the tomatoes and garlic together with a fork or potato masher.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Fold in the chopped fresh basil.
- Serve in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if desired.
- Drizzle with olive oil for added flavor.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese before serving.
- This dish can also be served cold as a pasta salad; refrigerate after mixing for a couple of hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes