Introduction
Transform humble tomatoes and pantry staples into a restaurant-quality pasta dish in under 30 minutes! This Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta recipe is your weeknight savior, delivering big on flavor without sacrificing precious time. Perfect for busy cooks who crave delicious, homemade meals.
Why This Works
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and incredible flavor payoff. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness, creating a rich and vibrant sauce that’s naturally creamy without any added cream! The combination of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese elevates this dish to pure Italian bliss.
Key Ingredients
🍅 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
🍝 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved tomatoes and minced garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
2️⃣ Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
3️⃣ While the tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
4️⃣ Transfer the roasted tomatoes and garlic to a large bowl. Add the cooked pasta and half of the Parmesan cheese.
5️⃣ Stir in the chopped basil. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6️⃣ Serve immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan cheese and extra basil, if desired.
Handy Tips
- Use different colored tomatoes for a more visually appealing dish.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to your liking.
Heat Control
Roasting the tomatoes at 400°F (200°C) brings out their natural sweetness and creates a concentrated flavor. Lowering the temperature might result in less caramelization, while a higher temperature could burn the tomatoes. Keep an eye on them!
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on a creamy sauce, you can add a bit of crunch by toasting some pine nuts or breadcrumbs and sprinkling them over the finished pasta.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Use cherry or grape tomatoes for easier handling and quicker roasting.
- Add a splash of white wine to the roasted tomatoes for extra depth of flavor.
- For a vegan option, substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This pasta dish isn’t typically gifted, but you could portion it into individual containers for a thoughtful meal prep gift for a friend or family member.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished dish.
🌟 Herby: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.
🌟 Meaty: Add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta to the sauce for a heartier meal.
🌟 Lemon-y: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished pasta for a bright, zesty twist.
Troubleshooting
Problem: Sauce is too thick.
Solution: Add a little pasta water to thin it out.
Problem: Tomatoes are burning.
Solution: Reduce the oven temperature or stir the tomatoes halfway through roasting.
Problem: Pasta is sticking together.
Solution: Make sure to toss the pasta well with the sauce and add enough pasta water to prevent sticking.
FAQ
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes? A: While fresh tomatoes are best for this recipe, you can use canned San Marzano tomatoes, drained well. Just reduce the roasting time.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? A: You can roast the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for best results.
Q: What kind of pasta works best? A: Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are all excellent choices, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta? A: Freezing this pasta is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and the pasta will become mushy upon thawing.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil? A: Dried basil can be substituted, but use about 1/4 of the amount called for in the recipe.
Conclusion
This Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Its simplicity, incredible flavor, and speed make it a perfect addition to your busy weeknight routine. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media!
30-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta: Weeknight Italian Bliss
A quick and delicious creamy tomato pasta that brings the flavors of Italy to your weeknight dinner table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sautu00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Tips
- For added flavor, sautu00e9 some red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy kick.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.