Name: Roasted Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Basil
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs overripe tomatoes, cored and quartered; 8 oz dried rigatoni or penne pasta; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese

Roasted Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Basil

GrilledMelon5368

This roasted tomato pasta is a celebration of late summer abundance, transforming overripe tomatoes into a deeply flavorful sauce. Roasting the tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and creates caramelized edges, building a rich base that pairs perfectly with hearty pasta. Finishing the pasta in the sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water ensures each bite is glossy and well coated, while fresh basil and Parmesan add aromatic, savory layers. It’s a comforting dish that makes the most of tomatoes at their peak, perfect for a cozy Wisconsin evening.

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange quartered tomatoes in a single layer, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and caramelized at the edges.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until 2 minutes shy of al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta (do not rinse).
While pasta cooks, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until just golden and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add roasted tomatoes (and all their juices) to the skillet, crushing some with the back of a spoon. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Transfer drained pasta to skillet with tomatoes. Add reserved pasta water and cook, tossing constantly, until pasta finishes cooking and sauce thickens and coats the noodles, 2-3 minutes.
Remove pan from heat. Add Parmesan and torn basil, tossing quickly to combine and melt cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately, topped with extra basil and cheese.