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.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 600 g cherry tomatoes, halved 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Oils & Condiments: 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
- Pasta: 350 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Herbs & Seasoning: 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh basil leaves, torn
- Cheese (optional): 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan or Pecorino
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange ingredients:
- 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:
- Meanwhile, 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 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). For gluten free, use gluten free pasta. For dairy free, omit cheese or substitute with dairy free alternative. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 440 Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 65 g Protein: 12 g
Save Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfectly roasted tomatoes?
Roast halved cherry tomatoes at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and bursting for optimal sweetness and texture.
- → Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work well, as long as they are cooked al dente to hold the sauce nicely.
- → What if I want to make this dish vegan?
Simply omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
- → How does reserving pasta water help the sauce?
Adding reserved pasta water adds starch and moisture, creating a silky sauce that binds the roasted tomatoes and pasta perfectly.
- → Can I customize the seasoning in this dish?
Absolutely, oregano and chili flakes add warmth, but feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to your taste for a personalized flavor.