With its irresistible aroma and exquisite taste, this oven roasted cherry tomato pasta is sure to become a favorite for quick dinners and special occasions. So gather your loved ones and indulge in this delicious dish, celebrating seasonal produce.
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this irresistible oven-roasted cherry tomato pasta. Juicy cherry tomatoes are gently roasted to perfection, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a luscious sauce. With garlic, aromatic herbs, and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil, this dish captures the essence of comfort and freshness.
This oven roasted cherry tomato pasta is perfect when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to savor a taste of the season with this delightful and easy recipe.
Love an easy-to-make pasta dish? Try this bacon and mushroom pasta and indulge in this pumpkin pasta sauce.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Bursting with flavor – The oven-roasted cherry tomatoes develop an intense and concentrated flavor, creating a vibrant and delicious sauce for the pasta.
- Simple and quick – With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
- Fresh and healthy – Cherry tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. When roasting them, you enhance their natural flavors while retaining their nutritional benefits.
- Versatile – While this recipe features oven-roasted cherry tomatoes as the star ingredient, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for a protein-packed twist. Also, experiment with different herbs and spices to elevate the flavors further.
- Summer delight – Make the most of summer produce with this cherry tomato pasta. It is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors in a comforting pasta dish.
Which pasta for tomato sauce?
The best pasta for oven-roasted tomato sauce are varieties that have ridges or nooks to hold the sauce. This allows the flavors of the roasted tomatoes and other ingredients to cling to the pasta.
Opt for casarecce, penne, fusilli, orecchiette, rigatoni, or bucatini. They perfectly hold the juicy and rustic pasta sauce. Also, experiment with different shapes and find the one you like most. Each pasta shape brings a unique touch to this oven roasted tomato sauce, ensuring a satisfying meal.
Ingredient notes
- Cherry tomatoes – Opt for ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes. You can use red, yellow, or a mix of different colored cherry tomatoes for added visual appeal.
- Olive oil – Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for roasting the tomatoes. It adds richness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic notes to the roasted cherry tomatoes. Adjust the amount according to your preference for garlic flavor.
- Dried herbs – Dried oregano and rosemary work well in this recipe. But feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or parsley.
- Pasta – Choose your favorite pasta for this dish, such as casarecce, penne, fusilli, or other pasta shapes that can hold a sauce. You can use regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh basil – Garnish the finished dish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of freshness and added herbal aroma.
See recipe card for quantities.
Tips & substitutions
- Tomato variations – While cherry tomatoes are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other tomato varieties. Grape, Campari tomatoes, or even larger tomatoes cut into chunks can work.
- Roasting time – The roasting time may vary depending on the size and juiciness of the tomatoes.
- Add other vegetables – Feel free to add more vegetables to the roasted tomato pasta. Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach are delicious additions. Just cook them separately and combine them with the roasted tomatoes and pasta.
- Acidic kick – For a tangy twist, drizzle a splash of balsamic vinegar over the roasted tomatoes before tossing them with the pasta.
How to make roasted cherry tomato pasta
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 2: On a sheet pan, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well-coated. Place in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized.
Step 3: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Once the tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven and lightly mash them with a fork to release their juices.
Step 5: Combine the roasted tomatoes with the cooked pasta. Toss in a bowl until the pasta is well-coated.
Expert tip
After roasting the cherry tomatoes, reserve some of the flavorful juices that accumulate in the baking dish. This adds an extra layer of richness and intensifies the tomato flavor throughout the pasta dish. Be sure to scrape up all those juices and incorporate them for an exceptional tomato pasta experience.
What to serve with cherry tomato pasta
Here are some ideas for what you can serve alongside your oven-roasted tomato sauce:
- Soup – For the ultimate tomato experience, serve the pasta with this 5-ingredient roasted tomato soup. This way, you can create a 2-course meal with just your oven.
- Grilled chicken or fish – Serve your oven-roasted tomato sauce alongside grilled chicken breasts, fish, or seafood for a protein-packed main course. The sauce adds freshness and acidity to complement the grilled meat or fish.
- Savory appetizer – These sardines on toast with tomato and red onion or white bean crostini are an excellent accompaniment to the oven-roasted tomato sauce. Crispy bread combined with the tangy and sweet sauce is simply delightful.
- Roasted vegetables – Roasted vegetables, such as these air fryer crispy roasted carrots, zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, are a fantastic side dish to pair with the cherry tomato sauce.
- Salad – This roasted red pepper salad or a simple salad with mixed greens and this tangy lemon herb vinaigrette complements the fresh flavors of the dish.
Recipe FAQs
If your roasted tomatoes turn out soggy, there could be a few reasons.
If you overcrowd the sheet pan with too many tomatoes, they may release too much moisture during roasting. This can result in a soggy texture. Ensure that the tomatoes are spread out in a single layer, allowing space for even cooking.
Roasting at a too-low temperature can also cause the tomatoes to get soggy. Ensure your oven is preheated to around 200°C (400°F) for efficient roasting.
Moreover, different tomato varieties have varying water content. This impacts their texture when roasted. Some cherry tomatoes naturally have a higher water content, making them more prone to being soggy. Trying different varieties or adjust the roasting time to achieve the desired texture.
Yes, you can make oven-roasted cherry tomato pasta ahead of time and reheat it later. Prepare the pasta and oven-roasted cherry tomato sauce as instructed in the recipe. Allow the pasta and sauce to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the pasta and sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
Store the roasted tomato pasta in the fridge for up to 4 days. Allow the pasta to cool completely before refrigerating. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent air and moisture from entering.
If you have an abundance of cherry tomatoes and are wondering what to do with them, here are a few ideas:
- Make salsa or Pico de Gallo
- Oven-dry fresh tomatoes
- Create a tomato sauce
- Make tomato jam or chutney
- Share them with friends and family
More tomato recipes
Looking for other recipes using the flavorful produce? Try these:
Did you try one or more of these recipes?
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📖 Recipe
Oven Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 400 g cherry tomatoes (4 cups)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- sea salt and pepper to taste
- 400 g (spelt) pasta (14 oz)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°C). On a sheet pan, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well-coated.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and caramelized.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven and lightly mash them with a fork to release their juices. Combine the roasted tomatoes with the cooked pasta. Toss in a bowl until the pasta is well-coated.
- Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Tomato variations – While cherry tomatoes are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other tomato varieties. Grape, Campari tomatoes, or even larger tomatoes cut into chunks can work.
- Roasting time – The roasting time may vary depending on the size and juiciness of the tomatoes.
- Acidic kick – For a tangy twist, drizzle a splash of balsamic vinegar over the roasted tomatoes before tossing them with the pasta.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only calculated with the recipe calorie and nutrition calculator provided by verywellfit.com. The author of this website is not a nutritionist nor a doctor. All nutritional data provided in the recipes and correspondent blog posts are for informational purposes only. Do not use the information as nutritional or medical advice.
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