Catch the aroma of roasted garlic wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delightful dish. Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the heart with every bite.
Imagine twirling forkfuls of perfectly cooked pasta around your plate while the rich flavors of tomatoes and the savory essence of garlic dance together in a delicious harmony. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy gathering with friends, this dish brings joy to any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This roasted garlic and tomato pasta is incredibly easy to prepare in just 30 minutes
- The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes too
- The rich flavor profile offers a delightful balance of sweetness from roasted tomatoes and savory garlic
- Perfect for any occasion—serve it at dinner parties or as a comforting meal for yourself!
You’ll never forget that moment when I served this dish to my family; their faces lit up like it was Christmas morning.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Any short pasta works well here; I prefer penne or fusilli for better sauce adherence.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Ripe cherry or grape tomatoes are perfect for roasting; they explode with flavor!
- Garlic: Use whole cloves for roasting; they become sweet and buttery when baked.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil elevates this dish; don’t skimp on quality.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a bright finish; you can also use dried if fresh isn’t available.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan takes this dish over the top; it melts beautifully into the warm pasta.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic: Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the baking sheet. Nestle unpeeled cloves of garlic among them. Roast for about 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
Cook the Pasta: While your tomatoes roast, bring salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente; drain but reserve some cooking water.
Mash the Garlic: Once roasted, let the garlic cool slightly before peeling. Mash it with a fork until smooth; its sweet aroma will make you swoon!
Toss It All Together: In a large bowl, combine drained pasta with roasted tomatoes, mashed garlic, fresh basil, and more olive oil if needed. Stir gently but thoroughly.
Serve Warm with Parmesan: Plate your beautiful creation, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and enjoy while savoring every bite!
Now you have all the tips you need to recreate this delicious Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta right in your kitchen! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Roasted garlic adds a rich, sweet flavor, while fresh tomatoes burst with juiciness
- Combining these creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for any weeknight
- This pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the garlic and tomatoes while boiling the pasta. This way, everything finishes cooking simultaneously, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different herbs like basil or oregano, or add protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly roasted garlic, wrap it in foil and bake until golden
- Use high-quality olive oil for great flavor
- Fresh herbs added at the end brighten up the dish beautifully
Cooking this Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta always reminds me of family gatherings where we’d feast and laugh late into the night.
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any pasta shape works well, but spaghetti or penne hold the sauce beautifully.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are convenient and can enhance flavor when used correctly.
How do I make this dish vegan?
Simply omit any cheese and replace butter with olive oil; it’ll still taste delicious!
Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this easy Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta, a flavorful dish combining sweet roasted tomatoes and buttery garlic, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 6 whole garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss halved tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on the baking sheet. Nestle unpeeled garlic cloves among the tomatoes and roast for 20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- While roasting, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain but reserve some cooking water.
- Cool roasted garlic slightly, peel, and mash until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, roasted tomatoes, mashed garlic, fresh basil, and additional olive oil if needed. Mix gently.
- Serve warm topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
