Description
Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta is a delicious and easy Italian main course recipe featuring perfectly roasted cherry tomatoes blended into a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. This comforting pasta dish combines the sweetness of caramelized tomatoes with fresh basil and a hint of crushed red pepper for subtle heat, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Additional Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until they become tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy water helps to loosen the sauce later.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it is fragrant but not browned, releasing its aromatic flavor into the oil.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the roasted tomatoes and heavy cream to the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cheese and Spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes to add a little heat. Continue cooking for another minute until the cheese melts into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta and Adjust Creaminess: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Finish with Basil and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve the creamy roasted tomato pasta immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or cashew cream for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.
- Use grape or cherry tomatoes to ensure a naturally sweet and flavorful roasted tomato base.
