Description
Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta is a simple and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring sweet cherry tomatoes roasted with garlic and olive oil until juicy and caramelized. This vibrant pasta is tossed with Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a splash of lemon juice to create a glossy, comforting meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or penne
Roasted Tomatoes
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Finishing
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the cherry tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Arrange the cherry tomatoes on a large baking sheet. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything thoroughly to coat the tomatoes evenly and spread them out in a single layer.
- Roast Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices and becoming caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, cook the spaghetti or penne according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Toss Pasta and Tomatoes: Add the drained pasta to the baking sheet with the roasted tomatoes and their juices. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh lemon juice, and a bit of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together gently until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the pasta warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Fresh mozzarella or burrata makes a delicious addition.
- Use whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein.
- Don’t discard the flavorful tomato juices from the baking sheet—they help create a rich, glossy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
