Pin It 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.
This dish brings the warmth of Mediterranean flavors together beautifully and has become a favorite in my home for its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: 600 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- Red onion: 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Dried pasta: 350 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: 15 g (1/4 cup), torn
- Parmesan or Pecorino cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup), grated (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Prepare baking dish:
- 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 tomatoes:
- 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 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
Pin It This recipe has become a family staple during busy weeknights and always brings everyone to the table eagerly.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, large pot, strainer/colander, chef's 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
Calories: 440 Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 65 g Protein: 12 g (per serving)
Pin It Enjoy this easy Mediterranean pasta that tastes like a gourmet meal, perfect for any day of the week.
Questions About This Recipe
- → How do I achieve perfectly roasted tomatoes?
Arrange halved cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil in a baking dish. Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and bursting, stirring halfway for even cooking.
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are ideal as they hold the roasted tomato sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly without compromising flavor.
- → How do I create a silky sauce without cream?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it to the roasted tomatoes and pasta mixture. The starch in the water helps create a smooth, glossy sauce.
- → What herbs complement the flavors best?
Fresh basil torn into the pasta adds brightness, while dried oregano sprinkled before roasting enhances the Mediterranean profile.