Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

This roasted cherry tomato sauce is the perfect blend of sweetness, acidity, and depth of flavor. Roasting brings out the natural sugars in the cherry tomatoes, enhancing their flavor and creating a rich, slightly smoky sauce. It's a quick recipe that turns humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish.

This sauce is also incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic base for a variety of dishes, from pasta, to eggs. Whether you're whipping up a quick weeknight meal or planning a special dinner, this sauce will elevate your dish effortlessly. It’s fresh, vibrant, and customizable to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, and available ingredients.

You can use this roasted cherry tomato sauce also in other dishes like Roasted Tomato Eggs in Purgatory or Butter and Tomato Risotto.

🧾 Ingredients

To make the perfect roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here's a detailed list with tips and recommendations for each one:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are the star of this dish. They roast beautifully, becoming sweet and juicy. You can also use grape tomatoes or mixed heirloom varieties for a different flavor profile.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth to the sauce. Roast them whole and then mash for a mellow, caramelized flavor, or mince them for a sharper garlic kick.
• Onion: Use red or white onion depending on your preference. White onion has a sweeter, milder flavor, while red onion has a stronger, more pronounced flavor.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It helps the tomatoes roast evenly and adds richness to the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and garlic. Adjust to your liking.
• Basil: Fresh or dried basil is essential for a burst of herby freshness. Add it just before serving to keep the flavor bright.
• Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme also adds an aromatic depth of flavor that pairs very well with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional, ½ tsp): For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes give the sauce a nice spicy edge.

See the recipe card for quantities.

🍳 Substitutions

If you're missing an ingredient or have dietary preferences, here are some easy substitutions:

• Tomatoes: If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, use grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes like Roma or vine tomatoes. Just chop the larger tomatoes into smaller pieces. You can also use a mix of different tomato variaties.
• Olive Oil: Avocado oil or another neutral oil can work in place of olive oil, though you’ll miss the rich, fruity flavor olive oil provides.
• Garlic: Swap fresh garlic for garlic powder or roasted garlic paste if needed.

🥣 Variations

There are endless ways to customize your roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, oregano, or even tarragon for a unique flavor twist.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone for a rich, creamy sauce.
• Cheesy Twist: Add freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese at the end to give the sauce a salty, savory edge.
• Meat Lovers’ Version: Add Italian sausage, ground beef, or pancetta to the sauce for a hearty and filling option.

📋 Instructions with Photos

Step 1. Half the cherry tomatoes and place them on a large sheet pan. Add the big chunks of onion and the garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, basil, thyme, black pepper.

Step 2. Roast the cherry tomatoes for 25-30 minutes.

Step 3. Let cool slightly, then squeeze out the garlic to remove the peel. Transfer everything to a blender.

Step 4. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Drain the pasta al dente and serve it with the sauce.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This roasted cherry tomato sauce pairs beautifully with a wide range of pasta shapes, from spaghetti to penne. You can toss it with your pasta of choice for a simple, light meal or top it with grilled sausage or shrimp for added protein. It’s also great as a pizza sauce or served over polenta for a rustic, comforting meal. For a fresh touch, finish your dish with a handful of arugula or a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese.

🔪 Equipment

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this roasted cherry tomato pasta sauce, but having a few basics will make the process smoother:

• Baking Sheet: Use a sturdy baking sheet to roast the tomatoes evenly.
• Reusable Parchment Paper (optional): Line the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
• Blender or Immersion Blender: If you prefer a smooth sauce, you’ll need either a standard blender or an immersion blender to puree the roasted tomatoes.
• Large Pot: For cooking the pasta and mixing it with the sauce.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

One of the best things about this sauce is that it stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Here's how to store and reheat it:

Fridge: Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the sauce. Place it in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible. It will last for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or thaw it in the microwave.

Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much in storage, add a little water or broth to loosen it up.

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