Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Al dente spaghetti tossed in a rich homemade roasted tomato sauce made from three quarters ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil for a vibrant Italian dish. This italian-inspired summer cookout ready in about 45 minutes pairs ripe Roma tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. On a large baking sheet, toss 12 quartered ripe Roma tomatoes, 4 peeled whole garlic cloves, 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Spread in a single layer and roast for 30 minutes until tomatoes are soft and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: Transfer roasted tomatoes and garlic to a large bowl and mash with a fork until chunky. Add 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves and toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: In the pasta pot over low heat, combine the tomato mixture with the cooked spaghetti, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly and cheese melts. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe roma tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pasta with Roasted Tomato Sauce?

Italian summer cookout like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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