Description
Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta recipe. Featuring caramelized roasted tomatoes blended into a luscious sauce, this dish combines garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or fettuccine
Roasted Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Sauce Finishing
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the halved tomatoes evenly on a baking sheet and toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Roast the tomatoes for 20 to 25 minutes until they are soft, bursting, and slightly caramelized, which intensifies their natural sweetness.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Blend Roasted Tomatoes: Transfer the roasted tomatoes into a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the roasting pan. Blend until smooth to form a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour the blended tomato sauce into a skillet over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency and stir continuously for even melting and blending.
- Toss Pasta and Simmer: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every piece with the creamy tomato sauce. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and the flavors marry beautifully.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil to introduce a bright, herbal note. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy roasted tomato pasta.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite protein to make this a heartier meal.
- Adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
