Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta: A Simple, Fresh, and Delicious Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the combination of fresh cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and pasta. When roasted, cherry tomatoes turn sweet, juicy, and perfectly caramelised, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. If you’re in search of a quick yet satisfying dish that bursts with flavour, this roasted cherry tomato pasta is just the recipe you need.
Why You’ll Love Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta
This recipe is all about simplicity and highlighting the beauty of fresh ingredients. Roasting the cherry tomatoes intensifies their flavour, turning them into a naturally sweet and slightly tangy sauce that requires minimal effort to prepare. Paired with garlic, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of parmesan (if you like), it’s a meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, but elegant enough for a dinner party.
The best part? It’s a versatile dish! You can make it vegan, gluten-free, or toss in extra veggies, depending on what you have on hand. So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this roasted cherry tomato pasta will always impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavour)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 250g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your preferred type)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, or vegan cheese for a plant-based version)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional for extra depth)
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional for added brightness)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Tomatoes
Preheat your oven to 200°C. While it’s heating up, prepare your cherry tomatoes. Wash and halve them, then place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle over minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated.
2. Roast the Tomatoes
Place the tray in the oven and roast the tomatoes for 20-25 minutes, or until they’ve softened, begun to caramelise, and have released their juices. You’ll notice the sweet aroma filling your kitchen—this is where the magic happens!
If you’re adding balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavour, drizzle it over the tomatoes about 5 minutes before they’re done roasting.
3. Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
4. Combine Pasta and Roasted Tomatoes
Once the tomatoes are roasted, remove the tray from the oven and gently mash them with the back of a spoon or fork to create a chunky sauce. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend them slightly with an immersion blender.
Add the cooked pasta to the tray with the roasted tomatoes, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to help bring everything together. Toss everything to combine, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
5. Finish the Dish
Once combined, stir in fresh basil leaves and parmesan cheese (if using). A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this point can brighten up the dish, giving it a fresh, zesty finish.
Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or basil as desired.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Divide the roasted cherry tomato pasta into bowls, top with extra parmesan if you like, and serve with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also add a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete your meal.
Tips for the Best Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta:
- Use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes: The fresher your tomatoes, the more flavourful the dish will be. When tomatoes are at their peak, their natural sweetness will really shine.
- Try adding extra veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition and colour.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like a bit of spice.
- Vegan version: Skip the parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe fully vegan.
Why This Recipe Works:
The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the cherry tomatoes, and when combined with the olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, it creates a rich, flavour-packed sauce that requires little preparation. The pasta serves as the perfect base to soak up all that goodness, making each bite a harmonious blend of comforting and fresh flavours. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for any occasion, and incredibly easy to whip up.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this roasted cherry tomato pasta is bound to become a favourite in your repertoire. It’s a true celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that come together in a dish full of flavour and simplicity.
