Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta: A Deliciously Simple Recipe for Any Occasion
There’s something magical about the combination of roasted tomatoes and garlic. When perfectly caramelized in the oven, they create a rich, flavorful base that transforms ordinary pasta into a comforting, restaurant-quality dish. This Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Garlic: In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the tomatoes and garlic evenly on the baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and garlic is golden and fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Mash the Garlic: Once roasted, gently mash the garlic cloves with a fork into a smooth paste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer roasted tomatoes and mashed garlic into a large pan. Add the cooked pasta and toss well. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add Flavor and Cheese: Stir in red pepper flakes, if using, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until pasta is fully coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and remaining Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes: They provide natural sweetness and deep flavor when roasted.
- Don’t skip roasting the garlic: Roasting mellows the harsh raw taste and adds a nutty aroma.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta for a silky texture.
- Add protein if desired: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu pairs beautifully with this pasta.
Variations
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or mascarpone for a rich, creamy pasta.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot chili oil.
- Vegetable Boost: Include roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Pesto Fusion: Mix roasted tomato pasta with 2 tablespoons of basil pesto for a fresh, aromatic twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a full Italian-inspired meal.
- Pair with a chilled glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the tomato’s acidity.
Fun Facts / Cultural Context
- Roasting tomatoes is a classic Italian technique that intensifies natural flavors and adds depth to sauces.
- Garlic is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, revered for both flavor and health benefits.
- This dish showcases the Italian principle of using high-quality, simple ingredients to create something extraordinary.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 12%
Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta
A simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring oven-roasted tomatoes and garlic, perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine halved cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Toss to coat.
- Spread tomatoes and garlic on the baking sheet. Roast 20–25 minutes until tomatoes are soft and garlic is golden.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, drain the rest.
- Mash roasted garlic cloves with a fork. Transfer tomatoes and garlic to a large pan.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss with reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Stir in red pepper flakes and half of the Parmesan. Mix until pasta is coated.
- Plate pasta, garnish with basil and remaining Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor. Optional: add cream or vegetables for variation.
