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Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 183 reviews

This Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring blistered cherry tomatoes and soft roasted garlic combined with perfectly cooked pasta. Enhanced with fresh basil, a touch of balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe offers a comforting and aromatic meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

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 everything together to coat evenly.
  5. Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on the sheet. Place the garlic head cut side up on the same sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
  6. Roast: Roast in the 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 package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally.
  8. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water. Do not rinse the pasta after draining.
  9. Cool Roasted Ingredients: Allow the roasted tomatoes and garlic to cool for a few minutes.
  10. Extract Roasted Garlic: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of the head into a large mixing bowl.
  11. Add Roasted Tomatoes: Add the roasted tomatoes along with any juices from the baking sheet to the bowl.
  12. Mash Mixture: Gently mash the tomatoes and garlic together with a fork or potato masher to create a rustic sauce.
  13. Season Sauce: Stir in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar if using, and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  14. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
  15. Add Basil: Fold in the chopped fresh basil for a vibrant finish.
  16. Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves if desired. Drizzle with olive oil for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Roasting intensifies the flavors—don’t skip this step for authentic taste.
  • Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that complements the roasted tomatoes but is optional if you prefer a simpler flavor.
  • If you like heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition but can be omitted for a milder dish.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
  • For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Keywords: Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta, Italian pasta recipe, roasted tomatoes, garlic pasta, easy pasta dish, vegetarian pasta

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