Cherry Tomato Pasta Delight (Printable)

A flavorful cherry tomato pasta with garlic oil and fresh basil.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables & Fresh Produce

01 - 500 g cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
03 - 1 small bunch fresh basil, leaves picked

→ Pantry

04 - 400 g spaghetti or linguine
05 - 120 ml extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - 1/2 tsp dried chili flakes (optional)

→ Dairy

09 - 50 g grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano (optional for garnish)

# How-To:

01 - Preheat the oven to 285°F. Arrange the cherry tomato halves in a single layer in a small baking dish.
02 - Scatter the garlic slices over the tomatoes. Drizzle all the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.
03 - Roast in the oven for 1 hour, until tomatoes are soft and confited but not falling apart.
04 - Towards the end of roasting, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain.
05 - In a large skillet, combine the confit tomatoes, garlic, and their oil. Add the drained pasta and toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.
06 - Remove from heat. Toss in most of the basil, reserving some for garnish. Season to taste. Serve hot, topped with extra basil and grated cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of roasted tomatoes and garlic oil creates a flavor burst that feels like sunshine in a bowl.
  • It’s simple and adaptable, so you can impress guests without breaking a sweat.
02 -
  • Always reserve pasta water; it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
  • Slow-roasting tomatoes is key to achieving that rich, concentrated flavor—you can’t rush perfection!
03 -
  • Choosing the best quality tomatoes will greatly enhance your dish.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add brightness.
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