If you are craving a dish that is bursting with flavor and comfort, this Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes and a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that wraps around every strand of pasta like a warm hug. This recipe transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a vibrant, indulgent meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. From the first bite, you’ll feel like you’ve found a new favorite to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe lies in how simple yet essential the ingredients are. Each one plays its part in building layers of flavor, the vibrant color of the tomatoes, the richness of the cream, and the aromatic herbs that bring everything together.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes: These small tomatoes burst with sweetness and become beautifully caramelized when roasted.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky texture and helps roast the tomatoes evenly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant depth that complements the tart tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, earthy note that pairs wonderfully with tomatoes.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a touch of sweetness and herbal freshness to the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers salty, nutty flavor that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy.
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): The perfect vehicle to carry the creamy tomato sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh aromatic finish.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Tomatoes
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, wash the cherry tomatoes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Toss everything together gently so each tomato is evenly coated with those fantastic seasonings. This prep ensures that when roasting, each tomato will caramelize perfectly, concentrating their natural sweetness and deepening their flavors.
Step 2: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and roast the tomatoes for about 25 to 30 minutes until they are juicy, blistered, and slightly shriveled. This roasting step is crucial as it intensifies their flavor and creates a delicious base for the creamy sauce. While they are roasting, your kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma that hints at the delicious dish to come.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta al dente (firm to the bite) ensures it holds up beautifully when mixed with the rich sauce. Once it’s done, reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will come in handy later to adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes and Cream
After the tomatoes have roasted, transfer them along with all the juices from the baking sheet to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and gently warm everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. This melding process softens the cream into the sweet tomato base, creating the foundation of the sauce.
Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan Cheese
Now for that luscious creamy goodness: stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It will melt into the sauce, thickening it and adding that signature savory, nutty flavor. If your sauce feels a little too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until it reaches a smooth, silky consistency that perfectly coats your pasta.
Step 6: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss it well, ensuring every piece is luxuriously wrapped in the creamy roasted tomato sauce. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple noodles into a comforting, satisfying dish.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Basil
Finally, serve your pasta hot from the skillet, topped with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you like. The fresh basil adds brightness and a lovely color contrast that makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the classic choice for garnishing, bringing a burst of aroma and a fresh, herbal note that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. For a little extra flair, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or a drizzle of high-quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the roasted tomato flavors.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe shines best when paired with simple sides that don’t overpower it. Consider a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a side of crunchy garlic bread to mop up the luscious sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add a nice contrasting texture and boost the meal’s nutritional value.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls to show off the vibrant red sauce and fresh basil garnish. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and elegance. If hosting dinner, plate the pasta alongside a colorful charcuterie board to create an inviting and appetizing spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so you might want to loosen it up with a splash of cream or pasta water when reheating.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based pasta dishes can be tricky due to texture changes, you can freeze the roasted tomato sauce separately. Cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly and reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
To reheat your creamy roasted cherry tomato pasta, warm it slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to avoid breaking the sauce. Adding a little cream or reserved pasta water while reheating helps restore the sauce’s silky texture and keeps the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can! However, cherry tomatoes roast particularly well because of their small size and high sweetness. If you use larger tomatoes, cut them into smaller pieces and adjust roasting time accordingly to achieve that caramelized effect.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to maintain creaminess. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and may have a slightly different texture.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are excellent choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape; the sauce is versatile and pairs well with many varieties.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta complement the flavors nicely and make the meal more filling. Add cooked proteins just before tossing with the pasta and sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To create a vegan version, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Roast the tomatoes and prepare the sauce as usual, adjusting seasoning to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe is a delightful way to elevate simple ingredients into a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try—you may just discover your next go-to pasta recipe that fills your home with warmth and irresistible flavors.
Print
Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 45m
- Total Time: 0h 55m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy roasted tomato pasta recipe combines juicy oven-roasted cherry tomatoes with a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh basil, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Roasted Tomatoes
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Toss well to coat all tomatoes evenly.
- Roast Tomatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for 25-30 minutes, or until they are juicy, blistered, and slightly caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Transfer Tomatoes: Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and transfer them along with their juices to a large skillet set over medium heat.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, warming the cream and letting the flavors meld.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand or piece with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an optional extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best eaten fresh.
