Welcome to Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta Heaven!
Hey there, pasta lover! If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with Italian flavors and is super easy to whip up, you’ve landed in the right spot. Creamy roasted tomato pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will feel like a little Italian getaway right in your kitchen! I adore this recipe because it’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with vibrant ingredients that brighten up any dinner table.
Nutritional Benefits
Now, let’s chat about the good stuff! This pasta dish is not just indulgent—it’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients from the fresh tomatoes and basil. Tomatoes are an excellent source of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which is great for heart health. Plus, the garlic adds a delicious flavor and health benefits, too, such as boosting your immune system. If you’re using whole grain pasta, you’ll get extra fiber, making this dish hearty and satisfying!
Adaptable Variations
- For a Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for a mix of Greek yogurt and a splash of chicken or vegetable broth. It will still be creamy without all the fat!
- Make It Vegan: Use a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut cream, and skip the cheese or opt for a dairy-free parmesan.
- Add Some Veggies: Toss in some spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor!
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the dish even more filling.
Your Easy Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- Penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Balsamic vinegar (for drizzling, optional)
Serves 4–6 people
Standard portions → 4 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 6 servings
Cooking Instructions
- First things first! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet, spread out the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re blistered and caramelized—trust me, the smell will make your kitchen feel divine!
- While those tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining it.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Now, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it heat up, then gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s all melted and creamy.
- If your sauce feels a tad too thick, don’t worry—just add some reserved pasta water little by little until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Toss in the roasted tomatoes and drained pasta into the skillet, mixing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in that creamy goodness. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Turn off the heat and stir in your chopped fresh basil, saving a bit for garnishing later.
- Now, the best part! Serve hot, garnished with extra basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar if you like—what a treat!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- Leftovers? Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but keep in mind it may thicken after chilling. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it up.
- If you want to save some time, you can roast the tomatoes a day ahead—just reheat them before combining with the pasta.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile! Fresh herbs elevate your dish dramatically.
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- A baking sheet for roasting the tomatoes
- A large pot for boiling the pasta
- A skillet for making the sauce
- A colander for draining pasta
- A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing everything together
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of pasta works best in this recipe? Penne is a great choice, but any pasta like rotini, fusilli, or spaghetti will work perfectly as well!
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Just prepare the sauce and roasting beforehand, and cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? You can easily substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- Can I use dried basil instead of fresh? You can, but fresh basil adds a lot more flavor and fragrance. If you use dried, just use about one-third the amount.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper during cooking to kick things up a notch!
Now it’s time for you to grab those ingredients and get cooking! I’m so excited to hear how your creamy roasted tomato pasta turns out. Be sure to take a picture and tag me on Pinterest! Let’s spread the love for this delicious Italian dish together. Buon appetito!
