- 1 pound (2 full pints) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large (may add 2-3 extra ounces of tomatoes if you have them)
- ¼ cup (56ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (I use Morton’s)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup (20g) freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving
- ½ pound (8oz) short pasta like cavatappi, penne, or rotini (GF if necessary)
- Optional garnish: 2-3 tablespoons fresh, torn basil
Pasta with Speedy Baked Cherry Tomato Sauce
Yield: 2-3 generous or 4 smaller servings
When baked in the oven, the tomatoes release their natural juices and are infused with the garlic and oregano for a light gravy that’s virtually drinkable. The pasta will absorb the residual juices and offers a welcome treat if lucky enough to have leftovers!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425℉. Pour the oil into a casserole dish (I use an 8×10 Pyrex or similar dish). Add the garlic, balsamic, and oregano; stir to combine.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and stir to coat in the olive oil mixture.
- Spread into a single layer, and then sprinkle evenly with the cheese. Do not stir any further. Bake until tomatoes have collapsed and are very bubbly, about 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When tomatoes are halfway done, add the pasta to the water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. (Helpful hint: In case your tomatoes aren’t that juicy, scoop out a cup of pasta water and set aside. I rarely use it with fresh, in season tomatoes, but it can also be nice to freshen up any leftovers.)
- When done, drain the pasta and add it to the casserole. Fold the tomatoes and pasta together. (The tomatoes should be very juicy, but if they aren’t, add some of the reserved pasta water and another drizzle of olive oil.) Taste and add another pinch of salt and pepper and garnish with fresh basil, if desired. Serve with additional grated cheese for sprinkling on top.
Notes
Have leftovers? You may wish to save some of the reserved pasta water. Even if you didn’t use any the first time around, a drizzle or two can be helpful to loosen and refresh the pasta upon reheating.