Introduction
Transform humble tomatoes and pantry staples into a vibrant, creamy pasta dish that’s bursting with Italian sunshine! This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, impressing family and friends without hours in the kitchen. Get ready for a flavor explosion!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s simple, delicious, and uses the natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes to create a rich, creamy sauce without any cream! Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their flavor, and the addition of garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese creates a symphony of Italian tastes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easily adaptable to your preferences.
Key Ingredients
🍅 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧅 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
🌿 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
🍝 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🧂 Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
🌿 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Toss the halved tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
3️⃣ While the tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
4️⃣ Once the tomatoes are roasted, transfer them to a food processor or blender. Add the basil and pulse until you have a chunky sauce. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend longer.
5️⃣ Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to a large pan over medium heat. Pour in the roasted tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
6️⃣ Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
7️⃣ Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8️⃣ Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired.
Handy Tips
- Use a variety of tomatoes for a more complex flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting the tomatoes – this ensures even roasting.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
Heat Control
Roasting the tomatoes at 400°F (200°C) brings out their natural sweetness and concentrates their flavor. Simmering the sauce over medium heat prevents it from burning and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe focuses on a creamy sauce, you can add a touch of crunch by topping the finished dish with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a smoother sauce, strain the roasted tomatoes through a fine-mesh sieve before blending.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- A splash of white wine added to the sauce while it simmers adds depth of flavor.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly upon refrigeration; just add a little pasta water or milk to thin it out before reheating.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This pasta dish makes a wonderful gift! Package the roasted tomato sauce separately in a jar, along with a bag of your favorite pasta and a small container of Parmesan cheese. Include recipe instructions for a thoughtful and delicious present.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
🌟 Herby: Incorporate other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme along with the basil.
🌟 Cheesy: Add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each serving for extra creaminess.
🌟 Meaty: Stir in cooked Italian sausage or pancetta for a heartier dish.
Troubleshooting
- Sauce too thick: Add a little pasta water or milk to thin it out.
- Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
- Tomatoes not roasted enough: Roast for a longer time, checking occasionally.
FAQ
- Can I use canned tomatoes? While fresh tomatoes are best, you can use canned crushed tomatoes, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can roast the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the dish just before serving.
- What kind of pasta works best? Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are all great choices, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
- Is this dish gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
This Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and enjoy the deliciousness! Don’t forget to rate and review this recipe on RateMyRecipes.com!
Best Ever Creamy Tomato Pasta
A rich and creamy tomato pasta dish that is simple to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sautu00e9 until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 10 minutes until creamy and heated through.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or sautu00e9ed vegetables for additional protein and nutrients.