Print

Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta

creamy roasted tomato basil pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A luscious, creamy roasted tomato basil pasta made by roasting fresh cherry tomatoes and garlic, then combining with cream, Parmesan, and fresh basil for a fresh garden flavor in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter/dairy-free options)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it to prevent sticking.
  2. Halve the cherry tomatoes and place them on the baking sheet along with the smashed garlic cloves. Toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Roast the tomatoes and garlic in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are soft and blistered and garlic is golden and fragrant.
  4. While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120ml) pasta water before draining.
  5. Transfer the roasted tomatoes and garlic to a large skillet over medium heat. Mash the garlic cloves against the pan to release their flavor.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Tear most of the basil leaves and stir them into the sauce, saving some for garnish. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy roasted tomato sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with remaining basil leaves, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and flavor. Do not overcrowd the pan to allow caramelization. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness instead of adding more cream. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, roasted tomato pasta, basil pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, fresh tomato sauce, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/creamy-roasted-tomato-basil-pasta-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-fresh-garden-flavor/