Indulge in our Cheese Roasted Tomato Pasta, where rich cheese meets the sweetness of roasted tomatoes. A delicious dish that will satisfy your cravings.
Looking for a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight? Look no further than this Cheese Roasted Tomato Pasta! Roasting tomatoes intensifies their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. Coupled with creamy, melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Roasting the tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich, concentrated sauce.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The cheesy, tomatoey goodness is the ultimate comfort food.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or protein.
- Minimal Clean-up: One pan for roasting and one pot for pasta – that’s it!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 1 lb Pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Roast the Tomatoes: Spread the tomato mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Pasta: While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine & Cheese It Up: Add the cooked pasta to the baking sheet with the roasted tomatoes. Toss to combine. Add the mozzarella cubes and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Again: Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant would be delicious additions to this dish. Roast them alongside the tomatoes.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the tomatoes before roasting for extra tang.
- Spice it Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or cooked shrimp would be great additions to make this a more substantial meal.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like provolone, ricotta, or fontina.
- Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end.
Make it Ahead:
You can roast the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to assemble, simply cook the pasta and proceed with the recipe.
Nutritional Information (approximate):
- Calories: 600-700 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
- Fat: 30-40g
- Protein: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70g
Final Thoughts:
This Cheese Roasted Tomato Pasta is a versatile and delicious recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, but also impressive enough to serve to guests. Enjoy!
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and share it with your friends!
(Include a high-quality image of the finished dish here)