Name: Roasted tomato sauce pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 kg / 34 oz small tomatoes, halved; 8 cloves garlic, unpeeled and crushed with the side of a knife; 45 ml / 3 tbsp olive oil; 1½ tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Pinch of chilli flakes, optional; Pinch of sugar, optional; 1-2 sprigs of fresh basil, optional; 300 g / 10½ oz favorite pasta (gluten-free if needed); 2 tbsp toasted coarse breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp pine nuts or almonds, toasted; 2 tbsp capers or sliced olives; Almond ricotta (vegan ricotta); Fresh herbs (basil or parsley) for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and captures the essence of summer, then this roasted tomato sauce pasta is exactly what you need. The magic lies in slow-roasting small tomatoes with garlic and herbs until they’re juicy, caramelized, and rich, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of your favorite pasta. It’s a wonderfully simple dish that feels both comforting and special, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends without a fuss.

Roasted tomato sauce pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this roasted tomato sauce pasta comes from its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the sweet acidity of ripe tomatoes, the aromatic punch of garlic, or the crunchy texture added by toasted nuts and breadcrumbs. Let’s dive into the essentials that transform everyday staples into a dish worth savoring.

1 kg / 34 oz small tomatoes: Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes like cherry or grape for a naturally sweet, juicy sauce.
8 cloves of garlic: Roasting mellows their sharpness and adds depth to the sauce.
45 ml / 3 tbsp olive oil: A good-quality olive oil enriches the sauce and helps it coat the pasta beautifully.
1½ tsp dried oregano: Adds a warm, earthy note, enhancing tomato flavors perfectly.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in all ingredients.
Pinch of chilli (optional): Gives a subtle kick to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Pinch of sugar (optional): Used only if your tomatoes need a little sweetness boost.
Sprig of basil (optional): Fresh basil sprigs add a fragrant, herbaceous lift to the sauce.
300 g / 10½ oz favorite pasta: Use your preferred type; gluten-free options work wonderfully here too.
2 tbsp toasted coarse breadcrumbs: For a crunchy, toasty garnish that adds lovely contrast.
2 tbsp pine nuts or almonds, toasted: Adds a buttery crunch and nutty flavor to finish the dish.
2 tbsp capers or sliced olives: Provides briny bursts of flavor that cut through the richness.
Almond ricotta: A creamy, vegan-friendly topping that complements the roasted sauce perfectly.
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley: The final aroma and color boost before serving.

How to Make Roasted tomato sauce pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 220° C (425° F). Cut the small tomatoes in halves and place them in a large baking dish. Add unpeeled garlic cloves, crushed gently with the side of a knife to release their flavor. Drizzle the olive oil and sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and optional chilli or sugar if needed. Toss to coat everything evenly, then add a sprig or two of fresh basil if you have it. Pop the dish in the oven to roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to encourage even caramelization. The tomatoes should be soft, juicy, and slightly charred when done—this roasted goodness is what sets your sauce apart.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta just shy of al dente. This way, it will finish cooking perfectly when tossed in the sauce later, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once the tomatoes have roasted to perfection, transfer them and their juices to a blender, discarding any wilted basil. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them in. Blend until smooth but feel free to leave a few tomato pieces whole for extra texture—that rustic touch makes the sauce feel homemade and hearty.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the blended sauce into a pan and heat gently. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, toss your cooked pasta in the sauce, making sure every strand is wonderfully coated for maximum flavor with every bite.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate your roasted tomato sauce pasta, then sprinkle with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, toasted pine nuts or almonds, and a dash of capers or olives for added complexity. Dollops of almond ricotta and a scattering of fresh herbs like basil or parsley finish the dish beautifully, making it look as irresistible as it tastes.

How to Serve Roasted tomato sauce pasta

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes elevates roasted tomato sauce pasta from simple to spectacular. Toasted breadcrumbs bring crunch, while pine nuts or almonds offer a subtle nuttiness. Capers and olives add bursts of saltiness that balance the sauce’s sweetness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a dollop of almond ricotta not only add color but also creamy, fresh flavor contrasts.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs well with light sides that complement but don’t overpower. Consider a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread for a carb lover’s dream, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini. These sides add freshness and texture, making the meal feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve this roasted tomato sauce pasta in wide shallow bowls with extra garnishes on the side, allowing guests to customize their plates. You can also twirl the pasta into neat nests for a more elegant presentation. Drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil and freshly cracked pepper at the end adds a finishing touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roasted tomato sauce pasta keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to allow the flavors to meld further, though the texture of the pasta may soften over time.

Freezing

You can freeze the roasted tomato sauce separately for up to three months. Cool it completely, then transfer into freezer-safe containers. Avoid freezing the pasta itself as it often becomes mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently in a pan on low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it seems too thick. Warm the pasta separately or toss it directly in the sauce briefly to heat through. Just be careful not to overcook during reheating to keep the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While small tomatoes like cherry or grape are ideal for their sweetness and quick roasting, plum or vine-ripened tomatoes can work well too. Just make sure they are ripe and flavorful.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, it is! All ingredients are plant-based, especially when topped with almond ricotta instead of traditional dairy ricotta, making this roasted tomato sauce pasta fully vegan and delicious.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The roasted tomato sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have time to develop.

What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?

Any pasta shape works, but we recommend something that can hold the sauce well, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Gluten-free varieties are a great option if you need them.

How spicy is this dish with the chili included?

The pinch of chili is optional and meant to give a gentle warmth that enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust or omit it based on your preferred spice level.

Final Thoughts

This roasted tomato sauce pasta has quickly become a cherished favorite for its incredible depth of flavor and simple ingredients that come together so beautifully. I encourage you to try making it for your next meal—a comforting bowl of pure deliciousness that impresses every time and feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Roasted tomato sauce pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Roasted Tomato Sauce Pasta recipe offers a rich, flavorful, and slightly smoky tomato sauce made by roasting fresh tomatoes and garlic, blended to a smooth texture and tossed with your favorite pasta. Topped with crunchy toasted breadcrumbs, toasted pine nuts or almonds, capers or olives, and creamy almond ricotta, this dish is a delicious, satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 220° C / 425° F to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and garlic.
Prepare Tomatoes and Garlic: Cut the tomatoes in halves and place them in a large baking dish along with the unpeeled, crushed garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with dried oregano, salt, pepper, optional chilli flakes, and a pinch of sugar if needed for sweetness. Add fresh basil sprigs if using.
Roast Tomatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting. The tomatoes should be soft, juicy, and lightly charred at the edges.
Cook Pasta: While the sauce roasts, cook your pasta until just short of al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Blend Sauce: Remove the roasted tomatoes and juices from the baking dish into a blender. Discard wilted basil. Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the blender. Blend until smooth or leave some tomato pieces whole for texture.
Heat Sauce: Transfer the blended sauce to a pan and gently warm it on low heat. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce, tossing well to coat evenly.
Plate and Garnish: Divide the pasta among four plates and garnish each with toasted breadcrumbs, toasted pine nuts or almonds, capers or sliced olives, almond ricotta, and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.

Notes

You can use small cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter, more intense flavor.
Adjust the amount of chilli flakes according to your preferred spice level.
If fresh basil is unavailable, dried oregano alone can provide great flavor.
For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta and ensure breadcrumbs are GF or omit them.
Almond ricotta can be replaced with any vegan ricotta or your favorite cheese if not vegan.
To toast nuts and breadcrumbs, dry fry them in a pan on medium heat until golden and fragrant.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting, Blending, Boiling
Cuisine: Italian