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This Roasted Tomato Pasta is one of Emma’s go-to recipes for an easy, delicious, and satisfying summer meal. The combination of blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic, and fragrant herbs makes this dish burst with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening or sharing with loved ones, this simple recipe brings out the best of summer’s harvest with minimal effort. The roasted tomatoes create a rich, sweet, and umami-packed sauce that takes this Roasted Tomato Pasta dish to the next level. Perfect for any weeknight, it’s a meal that celebrates the beauty of summer ingredients.
Roasted Tomato Pasta Recipe – Easy, Flavorful, and Vegan
This roasted tomato pasta is one of Emma's go-to recipes for an easy, delicious, and satisfying summer meal. The combination of blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic, and fragrant herbs makes this dish burst with flavor in every bite. Whether having a quiet night in or sharing with friends and family, this simple recipe highlights the best of summer's harvest with little effort. The roasted tomatoes create a rich, sweet, and umami-packed sauce that takes this vegan pasta dish to the next level. Perfect for any weeknight, it's a meal that celebrates the beauty of summer ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cups cherry tomatoes about 2 pints
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 8 ounces pasta of choice orecchiette, penne, spaghetti, etc.
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Vegan parmesan to serve, optional
- Vegan cashew cream to serve, optional
- Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts to garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then add minced garlic, salt, thyme, and rosemary. Toss to coat.
- Roast Tomatoes: Roast the tomatoes in the oven for about 30 minutes or until they're soft, juicy, and slightly charred. Roasting brings out their natural sugars, making the tomatoes sweet and flavorful.
- Cook Pasta: As the tomatoes roast, prepare your preferred pasta according to the package directions. For the best texture, cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the roasted tomatoes. Mix in the chopped basil and fresh lemon juice. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the roasted tomato mixture.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately with vegan parmesan or dollops of vegan cashew cream, and garnish with more fresh basil. Add toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Simplicity at Its Finest: With just a few simple steps—roasting the tomatoes, cooking the pasta, and mixing everything together—you get an incredible 30-minute dinner.
- Seasonal Goodness: This recipe makes the most of juicy, ripe tomatoes, especially when they are in season during late summer. Whether you use cherry, Roma, or Campari tomatoes, each bite bursts with natural sweetness.
- Family-Friendly and Picky Eater Approved: The familiar flavors of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs are comforting and universally appealing. Even picky eaters will find it hard to resist this pasta dish.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily modify this recipe to include more vegetables, herbs, or even plant-based proteins, making it adaptable to your personal taste.
Highlighted Ingredients and Variations
- Cherry Tomatoes: Roast cherry tomatoes for their natural sweetness, but you can also use Roma or Campari tomatoes. If you want to make it more special, opt for heirloom tomatoes.
- Fresh Herbs: Replace oregano with fresh thyme or rosemary for a unique twist, or try parsley for a slightly milder flavor.
- Creamy Element: Add a vegan cashew cream drizzle for a creamy, rich texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast sliced red onions, zucchini, or bell peppers along with the tomatoes to add more depth and nutrition.
- Plant-Based Protein: For a protein boost, add marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh. You could also sprinkle some roasted chickpeas for extra crunch.
- Pasta Types: Use any pasta you like—spaghetti, penne, orecchiette, zoodles, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. The versatility makes this recipe suitable for various preferences.
Cooking Tips for Enhanced Flavor
- Extra Roasting Time: For a more intense flavor, leave the tomatoes to roast for an additional 10 minutes until they begin to caramelize. This helps to bring out their natural sweetness even more.
- Smoky Flavor: Sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika over the tomatoes before roasting for an added smoky element that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh Herbs: Substitute basil with fresh parsley or cilantro for a different herbaceous touch. Adding fresh herbs at the end brings a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Cooking Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the pasta to an al dente texture so that it retains some bite, which contrasts nicely with the softness of the roasted tomatoes.
Why Roast Tomatoes?
Roasting tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and umami flavors, creating a rich base for this pasta dish. The heat draws out their natural sugars and caramelizes the edges, adding depth to the flavor. When combined with garlic and herbs, the roasted tomatoes transform into a sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. This extra step is what makes this pasta stand out from other tomato-based recipes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pairing: Serve the roasted tomato pasta with a fresh spinach salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to complement the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Bread Options: Serve with vegan garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
- Toppings: Top the pasta with toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for added crunch, or drizzle with some vegan pesto sauce for a fresh, herbaceous twist.
- Side Dishes: Pair this Roasted Tomato Pasta with side dishes like a white bean salad, vegan Caesar salad, or roasted ratatouille to make it a complete meal.
- For a tasty source of protein to complete your meal, check out our Grilled Tofu Recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How Can I Make This Pasta Gluten-Free?
- Replace traditional pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta, or try zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a low-carb option.
- What Other Herbs Can I Use?
- Feel free to substitute basil with parsley, thyme, or even oregano for a different herbaceous flavor.
- What Kind of Tomatoes Are Best?
- Almost any type of tomato can be roasted, but smaller varieties like cherry, grape, or Campari tomatoes tend to have more concentrated flavor, making them ideal for this recipe.
- What Else Can I Add to This Pasta Dinner?
- You can add roasted vegetables such as red bell peppers, shallots, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms. Adding capers or green/black olives also gives a nice briny burst of flavor.
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Calories per Serving: 373 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 603mg
- Potassium: 492mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Vitamin A: 818 IU
- Vitamin C: 39mg
- Calcium: 49mg
- Iron: 2mg
Tips for Storing Leftovers:
- Storage: Transfer any leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or in a lightly oiled skillet on the stove until warmed through.
- Make It a Meal Prep: This pasta can be made ahead for meal prep. Prepare everything as directed, store it in separate containers, and mix together before serving for the freshest taste.
Notes:
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Protein Addition: Add grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas to make this a more filling and protein-rich meal.
- Creamy Addition: A dollop of vegan ricotta or cashew cream adds a delightful creaminess that complements the roasted flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
This Roasted Tomato Pasta recipe perfectly showcases summer’s bounty in a simple yet satisfying meal. By using seasonal tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a few extra touches like roasted vegetables and vegan toppings, you can create a versatile dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to impress guests. Follow Emma’s tips for making the most out of each ingredient, and enjoy a meal that brings comfort, flavor, and nutrition to your table.
Next Steps: Start by preparing your tomatoes and gathering the ingredients. Don’t forget to share your version on social media and tag us with #GreenCraveRecipes to show off your creation!
