Slow-Roasted Tomato & Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil
A comforting pasta dish featuring deeply caramelized tomatoes simmered with aromatic herbs, served over al dente pasta for a taste of Denver's garden bounty. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 95 minutes pairs halved lengthwise plum tomatoes, thinly sliced garlic, leaves only fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 485 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs, halved lengthwise plum tomatoes
- 3 cloves, thinly sliced garlic
- 2 tbsp, leaves only fresh thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 275°F. Toss 1.5 lbs halved plum tomatoes with 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fresh thyme, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, stirring halfway, until tomatoes are tender and caramelized with golden edges and reduced to a thick, jammy consistency.
- Step 3: While tomatoes roast, cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti with the roasted tomato mixture, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a glossy sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup torn fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Roasted Tomato & Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (20 min prep + 75 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 Slow-Roasted Tomato & Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 thinly sliced garlic from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Tomato & Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil?
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 Slow-Roasted Tomato & Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil 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 Slow-Roasted Tomato & Herb Pasta with Fresh Basil?
Italian pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The flavors in this slow-roasted are incredible.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
