Baked Tomato Olive Oil Pasta

Featured in: Everyday Favorites

This dish highlights the natural sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes combined with smashed garlic and extra-virgin olive oil. The tomatoes are oven-baked until caramelized, then tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil to create a silky, aromatic sauce. Optional cheese adds a savory touch while red onion and chili flakes can bring extra depth. Easy to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this meal is perfect for a light yet satisfying main course.

Updated on Wed, 26 Nov 2025 08:21:00 GMT
Baked Tomato & Olive Oil Pasta with roasted tomatoes and herbs, a simple vegetarian meal. Save
Baked Tomato & Olive Oil Pasta with roasted tomatoes and herbs, a simple vegetarian meal. | crumbnest.com

A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring sweet roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant olive oil, tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet elegant meal.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 600 g cherry tomatoes, halved 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Oils & Condiments: 60 ml (1/4 cup) extra virgin olive oil
  • Pasta: 350 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • Herbs & Seasoning: 1 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 15 g (1/4 cup) fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Cheese (optional): 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan or Pecorino

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Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
Step 2:
Arrange the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red onion (if using) in a large baking dish Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper Toss to coat evenly
Step 3:
Roast in the oven for 2530 minutes, or until the tomatoes are caramelized and bursting
Step 4:
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta
Step 5:
Add the drained pasta to the baking dish with the roasted tomatoes Toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce
Step 6:
Fold in fresh basil and half the cheese (if using) Adjust seasoning
Step 7:
Serve immediately, garnished with remaining cheese and extra basil
Save
| crumbnest.com

A serving of warm Baked Tomato & Olive Oil Pasta, glistening with olive oil and fresh basil leaves. Save
A serving of warm Baked Tomato & Olive Oil Pasta, glistening with olive oil and fresh basil leaves. | crumbnest.com

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of pasta works best with this dish?

Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are ideal choices as they hold the sauce well and complement the roasted tomatoes.

→ Can I prepare this dish vegan-friendly?

Yes, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan without sacrificing flavor.

→ How can I enhance the flavor with herbs or spices?

Adding oregano and fresh basil provides traditional Mediterranean notes, while optional chili flakes give a gentle heat.

→ Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving some pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency, making it silkier and better integrated with the pasta.

→ What are good serving suggestions for this dish?

Pair it with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, or add olives and capers for a more intense Mediterranean flavor.

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Baked Tomato Olive Oil Pasta

Mediterranean pasta featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil for a flavorful dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
35 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Italian

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Vegetables

01 21 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
02 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
03 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

Oils & Condiments

01 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pasta

01 12 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

Herbs & Seasoning

01 1 tsp dried oregano
02 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
04 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Cheese (optional)

01 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.

Phase 02

Prepare vegetables: Place cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red onion, if using, in a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper; toss to evenly coat.

Phase 03

Roast tomatoes: Roast the vegetables for 25 to 30 minutes until tomatoes caramelize and burst.

Phase 04

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

Phase 05

Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the baking dish with roasted tomatoes. Toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to form a silky sauce.

Phase 06

Incorporate basil and cheese: Gently fold in torn fresh basil and half of the grated cheese, if using. Season to taste.

Phase 07

Serve: Plate immediately, garnishing with remaining cheese and extra basil leaves.

Tools needed

  • Large baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Strainer or colander
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains gluten from wheat pasta.
  • Contains milk if cheese is used.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free cheese alternatives for allergen considerations.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 440
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Proteins: 12 g

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