Name: A Deliciously Simple Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound of cherry tomatoes; 3 tablespoons of olive oil; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 head of garlic; 2 tablespoons of olive oil; Salt, to taste; 1 pound of pasta (spaghetti or your choice); 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 10 reviews

Bright, sweet cherry tomatoes and slow-roasted garlic star in this A Deliciously Simple dish that’s an absolute weeknight hero: Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta. Each bite bursts with caramelized depth, balanced by a pop of fresh basil and the salty, nutty finish of Parmesan. It’s one of those meals that’s endlessly satisfying, whether you’re flying solo or feeding a table full of friends, and delivers bold, Mediterranean flavor with zero fuss or fancy tricks.

A Deliciously Simple Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, but every single one plays a vital part in the magic of this A Deliciously Simple pasta. Each component is chosen for its ability to amplify flavor, add rich texture, and create eye-catching color—all with minimal effort and maximum payoff.

Cherry tomatoes: Choose the ripest, juiciest cherry or grape tomatoes you can find; their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted.
Garlic: An entire head gets roasted until buttery and mellow, infusing the sauce with deep, savory flavor.
Olive oil: A key player for both roasting and finishing; use extra-virgin for best aroma and smooth taste.
Salt: Don’t be shy—good seasoning brings every element to life and controls the overall balance.
Pepper: A few cracks of freshly ground black pepper wakes up the dish with a gentle kick.
Pasta: Classic spaghetti works beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta shape you love.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a subtle heat, a sprinkle here elevates the sauce without overpowering it.
Fresh basil leaves: Chop just before serving for color and that distinctive, peppery fragrance that screams summer.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth and a creamy finish—don’t skip it, unless making this vegan.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): Just a splash brightens everything, giving nuanced acidity to cut through richness.

How to Make A Deliciously Simple

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes and Garlic

To kick things off, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, then toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a subtle zing. Slice off the top of your garlic head to expose the cloves. These flavor bombs are now ready for roasting.

Step 2: Roast Until Golden

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and arrange the tomatoes in a single layer. Place the garlic head, cut side up, beside them. Give the garlic a final drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of salt. Slide the pan into the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes—look for tomatoes that are blistered and juicy and garlic that’s golden and meltingly soft. The house will smell amazing!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your oven works its magic, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Cook until just al dente (taste a strand to be sure)—it should have a slight bite in the center. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water to loosen the sauce later on. Drain the rest (no rinsing!).

Step 4: Combine the Roasted Goodness

Once the tomatoes and garlic have cooled enough to handle, squeeze out every last roasted garlic clove into a large bowl. Scrape in the roasted tomatoes and all their sweet, jammy juices. Mash the tomatoes and garlic together gently with a fork or potato masher—it doesn’t need to be totally smooth. Stir in the final spoonful of olive oil, balsamic vinegar if you’re using it, and check the seasoning.

Step 5: Toss and Finish

Add the hot pasta straight into the bowl and toss everything together, splashing in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you get a silky, clingy sauce that coats every strand. Fold in chopped fresh basil for brightness and scatter over grated Parmesan. Finish with an extra tumble of basil or a drizzle of olive oil if you’re feeling fancy—your A Deliciously Simple pasta is ready to devour!

How to Serve A Deliciously Simple

Garnishes

For maximum flair and flavor, crown each serving with extra shreds of fresh basil, an extra grind of black pepper, and a final snowstorm of grated Parmesan. A light glug of your best olive oil delivers that glossy, restaurant-worthy finish to this A Deliciously Simple pasta.

Side Dishes

Pairing is all about balance! This pasta loves a crisp, leafy green salad (think arugula, lemon, and more Parmesan) or garlicky roasted vegetables on the side. Rustic bread, either warm and crusty or toasted with a hint of garlic, is perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce—A Deliciously Simple just got even more irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

Take the presentation up a notch by serving your Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta in a big, shallow bowl for sharing or twirl individual portions into neat nests with tongs for a dinner party vibe. For A Deliciously Simple summer meal, try chilling the pasta and serving it as a Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad, garnished with extra basil and a few marinated mozzarella balls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making even your next-day lunches a true treat. Just be sure to let it cool slightly before packing it up!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this A Deliciously Simple pasta, the roasted tomatoes and garlic may lose a bit of their fresh, vibrant texture when thawed. If you do freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently and finish with fresh basil or Parmesan to liven up the flavors. The microwave works in a pinch, though stovetop reheating keeps textures at their best.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Absolutely! Roast the tomatoes and garlic a few hours ahead, then toss everything together just before serving. This A Deliciously Simple recipe actually benefits from a brief marination, as the flavors mingle and deepen.

What pasta shapes work best?

Spaghetti is a classic, but feel free to use penne, fusilli, or any shape that’s good at catching sauce. The beauty of A Deliciously Simple is that it adapts to whatever you have on hand.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Skip the Parmesan cheese or swap in a vegan alternative. The roasted garlic, tomatoes, and basil stand proudly on their own, keeping this A Deliciously Simple meal rich and satisfying.

Can I add protein to the recipe?

Definitely. Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some sautéed white beans or chickpeas right at the end for a heartier twist without losing that signature A Deliciously Simple ease.

What if I can’t find cherry tomatoes?

No problem! Use grape tomatoes or quartered small Roma tomatoes. Any ripe, sweet variety will work, as the roasting step caramelizes and intensifies their flavor perfectly in this A Deliciously Simple pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that brings the most out of the simplest ingredients, you can’t go wrong with this A Deliciously Simple Roasted Tomato Garlic Pasta. It’s a joyful dish to share, and the flavors will always have you coming back for another forkful. Gather your favorites and give it a try—your kitchen is about to smell absolutely heavenly!