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Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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4 from 86 reviews

A flavorful and cozy Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta featuring sweet caramelized cherry tomatoes and softened roasted garlic blended into a luscious sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, fresh basil, and topped with grated Parmesan cheese, this dish is ideal for comforting weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Tomato and Garlic Roasting

  • 1 pound of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 head of garlic
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil (divided)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional)

Pasta and Garnish

  • 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)

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 and place them in a large bowl. Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose cloves.
  3. Season Tomatoes: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over tomatoes, then add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  4. Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread seasoned tomatoes in one layer. Place the garlic head cut side up on the sheet. Drizzle garlic with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
  5. Roast Ingredients: Roast tomatoes and garlic in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until tomatoes blister and garlic softens.
  6. Cook Pasta: While roasting, boil a large pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente per package instructions, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining without rinsing.
  7. Cool and Mash Roasted Ingredients: Let roasted tomatoes and garlic cool briefly. Squeeze soft garlic cloves into a bowl, add roasted tomatoes and their juices, and gently mash them together.
  8. Prepare Sauce: Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add drained pasta to the bowl with sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.
  10. Add Fresh Basil: Fold in chopped basil leaves to infuse freshness into the pasta.
  11. Serve: Portion pasta into bowls, top with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil if desired, and drizzle with olive oil for enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables such as spinach or zucchini.
  • To make the sauce creamier, 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 by refrigerating for a couple of hours after mixing.