Cherry tomatoes are a favorite among home cooks for their sweet flavor and beautiful rosy hue. Roasting cherry tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and helps them become even sweeter. Combined with garlic, herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, you can create an amazing roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce that will make your pasta dishes something to remember.
What You Need to Make Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
To make roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce, you'll need:
- 1 lb. cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cherry tomatoes out on the sheet. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle with the minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the tomatoes are slightly charred. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and let the tomatoes cool slightly.
Once the tomatoes have cooled, transfer them to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add in the balsamic vinegar and blend for another few seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The sauce is now ready to use in your favorite pasta recipes.
Tips for Making the Best Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Here are a few tips to help you make the best roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce:
- Make sure to use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. If your tomatoes are not quite ripe, you can roast them for a few minutes longer.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the blender when blending the tomatoes.
- To add a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting.
- For a creamier sauce, add a few tablespoons of cream or half and half when blending the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions for Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce
Roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce is delicious served with all kinds of pasta dishes. It's especially delicious with penne, linguine, or shells. It's also great with ravioli, lasagna, and even pizza. Serve it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long should I roast the cherry tomatoes?
A1: You should roast the cherry tomatoes for about 20 minutes, until they are slightly charred. You can roast them for a few minutes longer if your tomatoes are not quite ripe.
Q2: What type of pasta is best with roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce?
A2: Roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce is delicious served with all kinds of pasta dishes. It's especially delicious with penne, linguine, or shells. It's also great with ravioli, lasagna, and even pizza.
Q3: Can I add cream or half and half to the sauce?
A3: Yes, you can add a few tablespoons of cream or half and half when blending the tomatoes for a creamier sauce.
Q4: Can I add tomato paste to the sauce?
A4: Yes, if you want a thicker sauce, you can add a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the blender when blending the tomatoes.
Q5: Can I add red pepper flakes to the sauce?
A5: Yes, to add a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting.
