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.
I first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a favorite for its ease and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 600 g cherry tomatoes: halved
- 4 cloves garlic: peeled and smashed
- 1 small red onion: thinly sliced (optional)
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil: (1/4 cup)
- 350 g dried pasta: penne fusilli or spaghetti
- 1 tsp dried oregano:
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes: optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- 15 g fresh basil leaves: torn (1/4 cup)
- 60 g grated Parmesan or Pecorino: (1/2 cup, optional)
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 to 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
- Toss pasta and tomatoes:
- 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 recipe always brings my family together around the table for a comforting meal filled with warmth and conversation.
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 This delicious baked tomato pasta is a perfect quick meal that delivers vibrant Mediterranean flavors with every bite.
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → How do I know when the tomatoes are perfectly roasted?
Look for caramelized, slightly burst tomatoes with softened skin and deepened color. This enhances their natural sweetness and flavor.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative without altering the core flavors.
- → What pasta types work best for this preparation?
Short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well, but spaghetti can also be used for a smoother texture.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta cooking water?
Reserving some pasta water helps create a silky sauce by loosening ingredients and aiding emulsification when mixed with the roasted tomatoes.
- → Can I add other Mediterranean ingredients?
Yes, adding olives or capers can introduce extra briny notes, enhancing the dish’s Mediterranean character.