Roasted Tomato Pasta
This Roasted Tomato Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes through slow roasting.
Combined with aromatic garlic, fresh basil, and a touch of olive oil, the roasted tomatoes create a deliciously rich and rustic sauce.
Paired with Strozzapreti pasta and garnished with Parmesan, this recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a sophisticated dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The roasted cherry tomatoes create a naturally sweet and tangy base, enhanced by the earthy aroma of garlic, basil, and oregano.
Easy to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even for beginner cooks.
Versatile and Customizable: It pairs beautifully with Strozzapreti pasta, but you can use your favorite pasta shape or add extra ingredients like grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
Healthy and Wholesome: Made with fresh, simple ingredients, it’s a nourishing dish that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for entertaining, this recipe fits the bill!
Key Ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these form the base of the sauce after roasting.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
Olive oil: Helps roast the tomatoes and infuse the dish with richness.
Fresh basil: Imparts a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the tomatoes.
Dried oregano: Adds a hint of earthy, Mediterranean flavor.
Strozzapreti pasta: A unique pasta shape that holds the roasted tomato sauce beautifully.
Parmesan: Grated over the top for a creamy, salty finish.
Roasted Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
500 g cherry tomatoes
3 garlic cloves, finely minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
10 fresh basil leaves
½ teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
400 g Strozzapreti pasta
Parmesan and basil leaves (to garnish)
Instructions
Set Up Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly, then dry them well with a clean kitchen towel. Cut each tomato in half.
Season and Arrange: In a non-reactive baking dish, toss the halved tomatoes with olive oil to coat them lightly. Spread them evenly in a single layer. Sprinkle with minced garlic, half the fresh basil leaves, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Roast Tomatoes: Roast in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, caramelized, and slightly charred around the edges.
Storage Option (if needed): If you’re not serving immediately, allow the roasted tomatoes to cool completely, transfer them to an airtight container, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, stir in the remaining basil leaves.
Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of water. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt, followed by the Strozzapreti pasta. Cook until al dente, following package instructions. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining.
Combine and Toss: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish with the roasted tomatoes. Toss well to combine, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the dish needs a bit more moisture.
Serve: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, fresh flavors!