Mediterranean-inspired baked pasta with caramelized tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil for an elegant meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 21 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
02 - 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
→ Oils & Condiments
04 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
→ Pasta
05 - 12 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
→ Herbs & Seasoning
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
→ Cheese (optional)
10 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino
# Cooking Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Arrange cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic, and sliced red onion (if using) in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to evenly coat.
03 - Roast in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes until tomatoes are caramelized and tender.
04 - While vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente following package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
05 - Add drained pasta to the baking dish with roasted tomatoes. Toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth sauce.
06 - Fold in fresh basil and half of the cheese (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with remaining cheese and extra basil leaves.
