A Deliciously Simple Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, look no further than this Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta. It’s truly A Deliciously Simple dish that highlights the natural sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes combined with the mellow, caramelized goodness of garlic, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe requires just a handful of ingredients, yet delivers a vibrant explosion of flavors, making it ideal for any occasion, whether a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen these ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role in building the rich taste, inviting aroma, and delightful texture of this pasta dish.

• Cherry tomatoes: These little gems roast beautifully, bursting with sweetness and a touch of tang.
• Garlic head: Roasting softens the garlic, making it creamy and spreadable for that rich umami boost.
• Olive oil: It ties everything together while adding silkiness and depth.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Pasta: Spaghetti or your favorite type works, providing the comforting base for the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): A little heat to awaken your taste buds.
• Fresh basil leaves: Their bright aroma adds freshness and a pop of green color.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that complements the tomatoes perfectly.
• Balsamic vinegar (optional): Adds subtle acidity and richness to deepen the flavor profile.

How to Make A Deliciously Simple

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Tomatoes and Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, rinse the cherry tomatoes and dry them well. Don’t forget to slice off the top of the garlic head to expose those cloves that are about to become magically soft and sweet. Toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Spread the tomatoes and garlic on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle the garlic with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for about 25–30 minutes—until the tomatoes are blistered and the garlic is tender enough to squeeze out.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the magic happens in the oven, heat a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Don’t throw away that pasta water when you drain—reserve about a cup because it will help marry the sauce and pasta beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Roasted Ingredients and Mash

Once your roasted garlic and tomatoes have cooled enough to handle, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins into a large bowl. Add the roasted tomatoes along with all the lovely juices from the pan. Use a fork or potato masher to gently break everything down into a luscious, chunky sauce.

Step 4: Mix Pasta and Finish the Dish

Pour the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and balsamic vinegar into the tomato mixture and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Toss the cooked pasta into the bowl and combine everything thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce clings perfectly to each strand. Finally, fold in fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish before plating.

How to Serve A Deliciously Simple

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, sprinkle a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese right before digging in. It melts slightly against the warm pasta and adds a rich, savory contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh basil leaves on top will make the colors pop and invite everyone to indulge.

Side Dishes

This meal shines on its own, but if you want to round out your spread, think crisp green salads with a bright vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread for extra comfort. Roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto plate will complement the sweet, tangy tomato flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pasta in rustic bowls to highlight its homey appeal or plate it neatly twirled using tongs for an elegant touch. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add visual appeal and a little personality to each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as the pasta sits, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container without the fresh basil and cheese. Freeze for up to one month, and add fresh herbs and cheese after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave for best texture, but it works in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes roast nicely due to their sweetness and size, small grape tomatoes or halved Roma tomatoes also work wonderfully in this recipe.

Is the red pepper flakes mandatory?

Not at all! Red pepper flakes add a little heat, but you can skip them or use less if you prefer a milder flavor. The dish stands strong on the roasted tomatoes and garlic alone.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly without losing its rich, comforting taste.

What pasta shapes work best?

While spaghetti is classic here, feel free to get creative – penne, fusilli, or linguine all catch the sauce beautifully. Choose what you love most!

How do I know when the garlic is perfectly roasted?

The garlic is done when the cloves are soft to the touch and lightly golden, making them easy to squeeze out of the skin like creamy butter. Avoid overcooking, as it can turn bitter.

Final Thoughts

Giving this Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta a try means welcoming an A Deliciously Simple recipe into your kitchen that feels both homey and special. It’s bursting with fresh flavors, easy to prepare, and endlessly satisfying. So next time you want a dish that delights without fuss, this recipe will be your go-to comfort on any occasion.

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