Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic, tossed with spaghetti, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. This recipe balances sweet, roasted flavors with a hint of spice and tang from optional red pepper flakes and balsamic vinegar, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Author: Caleb
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Roasted Tomato and Garlic
- 1 pound of cherry tomatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat dry. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Garlic: Slice off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves.
- Season Tomatoes: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer and place the garlic head cut side up on the same sheet. Drizzle garlic with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and garlic is soft.
- Boil Pasta: While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Do not rinse the pasta.
- Cool Roasted Vegetables: Once roasted, allow the tomatoes and garlic to cool slightly.
- Extract Roasted Garlic: Squeeze the soft roasted garlic cloves out of the head into a large mixing bowl.
- Add Roasted Tomatoes: Add the roasted tomatoes along with any juices from the baking sheet to the bowl.
- Mash Ingredients: Gently mash the tomatoes and roasted garlic together with a fork or potato masher until combined but still chunky.
- Mix Sauce: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar if using. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves to the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if desired.
- Finish with Olive Oil: Drizzle with additional olive oil for extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Balsamic vinegar adds a nice tang but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Use fresh pasta or your favorite pasta shape for variation.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce’s consistency and binding the pasta well.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
Keywords: roasted tomato pasta, garlic pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, vegetarian pasta, roasted tomatoes, simple dinner recipe