Save 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 reminds me of summer evenings spent with family enjoying fresh Italian food together.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: 600 g cherry tomatoes halved
- Garlic: 4 cloves peeled and smashed
- Red onion: 1 small thinly sliced (optional)
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 60 ml (1/4 cup)
- Pasta: 350 g dried pasta (penne fusilli or spaghetti)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Chili flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: 15 g (1/4 cup) torn
- Cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan or Pecorino (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.
Save We love gathering around the table to enjoy this pasta recipe on warm weekend nights.
Preparation and Cooking Times
Preparation time is 10 minutes with a cooking time of 35 minutes for a total of 45 minutes.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 440 calories 14 g total fat 65 g carbohydrates and 12 g protein.
Additional Tips
Pairs beautifully with crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio for a perfect meal experience.
Save This recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at home.
Kitchen Questions
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta cooking water and add it to the baking dish when mixing pasta and roasted tomatoes; this creates a silky, cohesive sauce.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne, fusilli, and spaghetti all hold the sauce well and complement the texture of the roasted tomatoes.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor profile?
Fresh basil adds brightness, while dried oregano offers earthy, Mediterranean notes; chili flakes provide a mild heat if desired.
- → How do I achieve perfectly roasted tomatoes?
Arrange halved cherry tomatoes with garlic and olive oil in a baking dish, season well, then roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes until caramelized and bursting.