This Easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta is all about fresh flavors and yummy convenience! Sweet cherry tomatoes roast until they’re juicy, then mix with pasta for a delightful meal.
It’s a breeze to make! I just toss the tomatoes with olive oil, roast them, and stir with freshly cooked pasta. Plus, you can’t beat the vibrant colors on your plate! 🍅😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherry Tomatoes: These are the stars of this dish! Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted. If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you could use grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes chopped into smaller pieces.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a lovely aroma and depth to the pasta. In a pinch, garlic powder can be used, but fresh really makes a difference! If you’re sensitive to garlic, try sautéing shallots for a milder flavor.
Pasta: Spaghetti is a classic choice, but feel free to swap in any pasta you like! Gluten-free pasta options work well here too. Just check the cooking time as it may vary.
Parmesan Cheese: A must-have for that cheesy finish! If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds a tasty, cheesy flavor. Alternatively, you can use pecorino cheese for something different.
How Do You Roast Tomatoes Perfectly?
Roasting tomatoes is easy but important for flavor. Preheating the oven to 400°F creates a nice roasting environment. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Place the tomatoes in a single layer in your baking dish for even cooking.
- Adding a bit of salt helps draw out moisture, intensifying their flavor.
- Use a spoon to mash some of them after roasting to make a delicious sauce.
Let them roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re soft and bursting, as this brings out their sweet, rich flavor.
Easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy and delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 25 minutes roasting the tomatoes while you cook the pasta. It’s a quick and effortless meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your tomatoes roast perfectly and become wonderfully sweet.
2. Prepare Cherry Tomatoes:
In a baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well coated. Spread the tomatoes out in a single layer for even roasting.
3. Roast the Tomatoes:
Pop the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until they are soft and bursting, releasing all their delicious juices.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the tomatoes are roasting, fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining!
5. Combine Roasted Tomatoes:
Once the tomatoes are done, take them out of the oven. Use a spoon to gently mash some of the tomatoes to create a saucy texture. Let’s get that flavor going!
6. Mix Everything Together:
In the pot with drained pasta, add the roasted tomatoes and their juices, along with the reserved pasta water and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Give it a good stir to combine all the delicious flavors.
7. Add Finishing Touches:
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta back into the pot. Toss everything well so the pasta is nicely coated with that yummy tomato sauce. For a little kick, mix in the red pepper flakes if you like.
8. Add Fresh Ingredients:
Gently fold in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, letting them mingle with the warm pasta. Taste it! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
9. Drizzle With Balsamic (Optional):
If you want that extra depth of flavor, drizzle a bit of balsamic vinegar before serving—totally optional, but oh-so-good!
10. Serve Up and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious roasted cherry tomato pasta hot, garnished with more Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Enjoy every bite!
There you have it, a vibrant and fresh dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your table! Happy cooking! 🍝
FAQ for Easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are sweet and flavorful, you can substitute grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes cut into bite-size pieces. Keep in mind that larger tomatoes might need a slightly longer roasting time to achieve the same deliciousness.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Basil?
No problem! While fresh basil adds a lovely flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch—just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead, mixing it in when combining with the pasta.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up if needed.
Can I Make This Pasta Vegan?
Definitely! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast is a great option to add a cheesy flavor without any dairy!
