![To make roasted garlic and tomato pasta, you need these simple items: - 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled - 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. When cooking, I always use ripe cherry tomatoes. They burst with flavor. Fresh garlic gives a sweet, nutty taste after roasting. Fresh basil adds a bright note to the dish. Using these ingredients helps create a dish that feels special. You can adjust this pasta to fit your needs. If you're gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. For a vegan option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can even swap cherry tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones aren't available. This way, anyone can enjoy this tasty dish. For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Feel free to mix in veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by gathering your ingredients. For this dish, you need: - 1 pound spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled - 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the garlic and tomatoes roast perfectly. On a baking sheet, place the unpeeled garlic cloves and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with half of the olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for blistered tomatoes and soft garlic. The smell will guide you! Meanwhile, cook your pasta. Use a large pot of salted boiling water and follow the package instructions. Cook until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Once the tomatoes and garlic are done, let them cool a bit. Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin into a bowl. Mash it with a fork to create a creamy base. Mix the mashed garlic with the roasted tomatoes. Add the remaining olive oil and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir well to make a sauce. Now, add the drained pasta to the sauce. Toss it all together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water until you like the consistency. Finally, stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your roasted garlic and tomato pasta immediately. If you want, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy this meal! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Roasting garlic is simple. Start by placing unpeeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes. You want them soft and golden. When done, let them cool a bit. Squeeze the garlic out of the skin with your fingers. It should be creamy and sweet. This garlic adds a rich, deep flavor to your pasta. Cooking pasta seems easy, but timing is key. Follow the package directions for cooking time. Use a large pot with plenty of salted boiling water. This boosts flavor and helps keep pasta from sticking. For the best texture, aim for "al dente," which means it should be firm to the bite. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thicken your sauce. Want to make your roasted garlic and tomato pasta pop? Here are some ideas: - Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley for a bright touch. - Cheese: Toss in some feta or goat cheese for creaminess. - Nuts: Pine nuts or walnuts give a nice crunch. - Spices: For heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. - Zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the flavors. These enhancements will take your dish to the next level. Check out the Full Recipe for a complete guide to making this tasty meal! {{image_2}} Roasted garlic and tomato pasta is great for everyone. For a vegetarian twist, skip the cheese. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. If you want a vegan option, use a plant-based cheese. This makes it creamy without dairy. You can also toss in fresh spinach or kale. These greens add color and nutrients to your dish. You can switch up the pasta for fun! Try whole wheat pasta for more fiber. Gluten-free pasta works well if you need it. You can even use zucchini noodles for a low-carb choice. Each type will change the dish's texture, so experiment to find your favorite. Want to make it heartier? Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. Cook these separately and toss them in at the end. For a veggie boost, add bell peppers or mushrooms. They roast well and taste amazing with garlic and tomatoes. Broccoli or asparagus are also great choices. These keep the dish fresh and colorful. For more details, check out the full recipe. To keep your roasted garlic and tomato pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This will help keep the flavors intact. The pasta can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it's best to toss it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly is key. Use a pan over low heat for the best results. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help the pasta regain its moisture. Stir often to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, but cover the dish to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If you want to save some pasta for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the pasta into individual servings and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It keeps well for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat as mentioned above. For the best taste, enjoy it within a month. Yes, you can use many types of tomatoes. Roma tomatoes add a rich flavor. Beefsteak tomatoes are juicy and sweet. You can also use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to drain them well. This will keep your pasta from getting too watery. Experiment and find what you like best! To make this recipe gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. You can find pasta made from rice, corn, or lentils. These pastas cook a bit differently, so check the package for instructions. Follow the same steps in the recipe, and enjoy your meal worry-free! Roasted garlic and tomato pasta pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. Garlic bread is a classic choice that everyone loves. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables for a healthy twist. A nice glass of red wine makes the meal even better. Enjoy exploring different pairings! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered key ingredients for roasted garlic and tomato pasta. We explored fresh ingredients and alternatives for dietary needs. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips, like roasting garlic perfectly. We also discussed pasta variations and storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. In summary, this dish is simple, versatile, and delicious. You can make it fit your tastes and needs. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients! Your next meal can be a hit.](https://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/d553d96f-6423-4985-8dca-dedfc8f9e127-300x300.webp)
62. Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta
Discover the delightful flavors of roasted garlic and tomato pasta, a simple yet delicious recipe perfect for any night of the week. With just a few ingredients like cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, you can create a savory dish that will impress your family and friends. Follow our easy steps to make this mouthwatering meal in no time.