Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. With sweet blistered tomatoes and mellow roasted garlic, this pasta combines fresh ingredients into a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 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

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes, then add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: 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 it with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
4. Step 4: Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is soft.
5. Step 5: 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.
6. Step 6: Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Do not rinse.
7. Step 7: Once roasted, allow the tomatoes and garlic to cool for a few minutes. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves into a large mixing bowl, then add the roasted tomatoes and any juices from the baking sheet.
8. Step 8: 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 to taste.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
10. Step 10: 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.

Tips & Variations

• 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.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use grape tomatoes or halved small tomatoes if cherry tomatoes aren’t available. The key is to use small, sweet tomatoes that roast well.

Do I need to peel the roasted garlic before mixing?

No need to peel individual cloves. After roasting, simply squeeze the soft garlic out of the head directly into the bowl for easy mixing.

Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 92 reviews

Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is a flavorful, comforting dish featuring sweet blistered cherry tomatoes and soft roasted garlic combined with al dente pasta, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe uses roasting and stovetop cooking to create a rich, savory sauce perfect for any pasta lover.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Roasting and Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables & Aromatics

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

Pantry Staples

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

Pasta & Cheese

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

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
2. Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic: Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes, placing them in a large bowl. Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves.
3. Season Tomatoes: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, then toss to coat evenly.
4. Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread the tomatoes in a single layer, place the garlic head cut side up, drizzle it with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
5. Roast: Bake the tomatoes and garlic for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes blister and garlic softens.
6. Cook Pasta: While roasting, bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta per package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
7. Cool Roasted Ingredients: Let the roasted tomatoes and garlic cool briefly.
8. Prepare Sauce: Squeeze roasted garlic cloves into a large bowl, add roasted tomatoes and juices. Mash together gently with a fork or potato masher.
9. Season the Sauce: Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional balsamic vinegar, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
10. Toss Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, toss well to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
11. Add Fresh Basil: Fold in chopped basil for fresh flavor.
12. Serve: Plate the pasta, top with grated Parmesan and extra basil leaves if desired, and drizzle with olive oil for extra richness.

Notes

• For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables such as 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 be served cold as a pasta salad; refrigerate after mixing for a couple of hours to chill.

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