This Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce is a flavorful and easy sheet pan recipe that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, garlic, and shallots with fresh herbs for a deliciously smooth sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers a rich, homemade taste with minimal clean-up.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: Provide a sweet, juicy base.
- Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor.
- Shallots: Contribute a subtle sweetness and richness.
- Olive oil: Enhances flavor and aids in roasting.
- Basil leaves: Bring fresh, herbal notes.
- Oregano leaves: Add a hint of earthiness.
- Red pepper flakes: Optional kick of spiciness.
Alternative Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or plum tomatoes
- Garlic: Garlic powder or roasted garlic
- Shallots: Red onions or yellow onions
- Olive oil: Avocado oil or sunflower oil
- Basil leaves: Fresh parsley or fresh thyme
- Oregano leaves: Dried oregano or fresh marjoram
- Red pepper flakes: Paprika or chili powder
Detailed Steps
Preparing the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and quartered shallots on a parchment-lined or nonstick baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired, and toss to coat. Ripe cherry tomatoes enhance sweetness, and a splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth.
Roasting the Ingredients: Roast for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and caramelize. Stir halfway through for even roasting. For a deeper flavor, broil for the last 5 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Blending the Sauce: Transfer the roasted ingredients to a blender with fresh basil and oregano. Blend until smooth, adding water or broth if too thick. Pulse for a chunkier texture.
Cooking the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water. Salt the water to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
Combining and Serving: Warm the sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the pasta, adding reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning and serve with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
Expert Tips
Infuse with Fresh Herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the roasting pan for additional flavor.
Balance Flavors: If the sauce is too tangy, balance it with a small amount of honey or maple syrup.
Enhance with Nuts: Stir in a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and depth.
Adjust Acidity: If the sauce is too acidic, mix in a small amount of unsalted butter for a smoother, richer taste.
Use High-Quality Olive Oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for roasting and blending to enhance the overall flavor.
Add Wine: Splash white wine directly onto the baking sheet to enrich the sauce and deglaze the pan, concentrating the flavor as it roasts.
Use Seasonal Ingredients: Opt for seasonal produce, like fresh summer tomatoes, to ensure the best flavor and quality in your sauce.
FAQs
Fresh tomatoes are recommended for their flavor and texture, but you can use canned tomatoes if fresh ones are not available. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer, then reheat before serving. The flavors often deepen after a day or two.
If the sauce tastes too acidic, you can balance it by adding a pinch of sugar or a small amount of baking soda to neutralize the acidity.
Yes, you can freeze roasted cherry tomato sauce for up to 3 months; just cool it completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and label before freezing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce with your favorite pasta and Parmesan, on homemade pizzas, or mixed with mozzarella for a pasta bake. It’s also delicious with grilled veggies, as a shakshuka base, or in a pasta salad with olives and feta. For added freshness, pair it with a crisp salad like our Lebanese salad or beet cucumber salad.
Storage Suggestions
Store Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
You’ll also enjoy:
Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 shallots peeled and quartered
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (if not nonstick), place the cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and quartered shallots.2 lbs cherry tomatoes, 4 cloves garlic, 2 shallots
- Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat everything evenly.1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and slightly caramelized, and the shallots and garlic are soft and golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Transfer the roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and shallots to a blender or food processor. Add the fresh basil and oregano leaves.1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
- Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately with your favorite pasta or however you choose to enjoy this Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce.
Video
@cookinglikekate Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce – Full recipe at CookingLikeKate.com
♬ Trendsetter – Connor Price & Haviah Mighty
Notes
- Tomato Variety: Ripe cherry tomatoes are ideal for a sweet and rich flavor, but grape or plum tomatoes can be used as substitutes.
- Wine Option: For added depth, you can splash a bit of white wine on the baking sheet before roasting.
- Consistency Adjustments: If the sauce is too thick after blending, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Storage Tips: The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with pasta, use as a pizza base, or serve with grilled vegetables. Consider adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for extra richness.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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