Save A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring sweet roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant olive oil, tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet elegant meal.
This pasta has become a staple in my kitchen for quick weeknight dinners that feel special.
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Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: 600 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- Red onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Dried pasta: 350 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: 15 g (1/4 cup), torn
- Grated Parmesan or Pecorino: 60 g (1/2 cup) (optional)
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Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare vegetables:
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red onion (if using) in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast:
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are caramelized and bursting.
- Cook pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine:
- Add the drained pasta to the baking dish with the roasted tomatoes. Toss well adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- Add basil and cheese:
- Fold in fresh basil and half the cheese (if using). Adjust seasoning.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately garnished with remaining cheese and extra basil.
Save This dish always brings the family together around the table for a warm and comforting meal.
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Required Tools
Large baking dish large pot strainer/colander chefs knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat/gluten from pasta and milk if using cheese. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free alternatives as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 440 calories 14 g total fat 65 g carbohydrates 12 g protein
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This dish is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are ideal as they hold the baked tomato sauce well and complement the textures.
- → Can I prepare this dish vegan-friendly?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan.
- → How do I ensure the tomatoes are perfectly roasted?
Roast the cherry tomatoes at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes until caramelized and bursting to release maximum flavor.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserving some pasta water helps create a silky sauce by blending with the roasted tomatoes and olive oil.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?
Fresh basil and dried oregano provide aromatic and fresh notes that elevate the overall taste.
- → Can I add other Mediterranean ingredients?
Yes, incorporating olives or capers adds depth and authentic Mediterranean flavors.
