Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Garlic Balsamic Basil Oil

Cherry tomato pasta is the ultimate way to celebrate fresh summer ingredients with minimal effort. Sweet roasted tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil come together to create a simple yet luxurious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. Finished with a drizzle of garlic basil oil and a sprinkle of feta or parmesan, it's a dish you'll crave all season long.

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It's a must-make.

You'll want to put this on repeat all summer-it's that good, plus it's loaded with good-for-you ingredients and super easy to make:

• Roasted flavor explosion - slow-roasted cherry tomatoes turn into a rich, jammy tomato sauce full of umami and depth.
• Summer fresh - made with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, and basil for a seasonal favorite.
• Customizable and flexible - choose your favorite pasta, cheese, and spice level.
• Better-for-you ingredients - olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs make this a heart-healthy pasta recipe.

Let's talk texture and flavor.

Imagine scooping up tender orecchiette pasta, each little cup cradling sweet, jammy roasted cherry tomato sauce rich with olive oil and garlic. A drizzle of garlic basil oil adds a fresh, herby kick that lifts the whole dish. Creamy, salty crumbles of feta balance the sweetness, while a touch of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to keep you reaching for the next bite.

What you'll need.

Here's what you're going to need to make cherry tomato pasta:

Garlic Basil Oil for Finishing

• Fresh basil leaves: bright and peppery, basil gives the oil a vibrant, garden-fresh flavor that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Extra virgin olive oil: use a good-quality olive oil here-this is your finishing oil, and it makes a huge difference in taste.
• Pinch of salt (to taste): just a touch brings out the herbal flavor of the basil and rounds out the oil.

Cherry Tomato Sauce

• Cherry tomatoes: these roast into sweet, jammy bursts of flavor. Mixing colors creates a beautiful variety and adds depth to the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: garlic roasts down into mellow, caramelized bites that melt into the sauce.
• Balsamic vinegar: adds tangy depth and just the right amount of acidity to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Honey: a little honey enhances the tomatoes' natural sweetness and helps them caramelize as they roast.
• Fresh Thyme: thyme adds an earthy herbal note that complements the roasted flavors.
• Kosher salt: it brings out the natural flavors of the tomatoes and garlic.
• Fresh cracked black pepper: adds a sharp bite and rounds out the sauce with a little warmth.
• Optional: red pepper flakes to add just a bit of heat, adds complexity and a little kick. Totally up to you!

To Serve

• Pasta: orecchiette, bucatini, rigatoni, or gnocchi - use whatever pasta shape you love or have on hand. I love orecchiette for how it cups the sauce, but gnocchi turns this into a super cozy dish.
• Feta cheese: alternatively, you can use Parmesan cheese, which adds a creamy tang and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Optional garnish: a sprinkle of fresh basil freshens everything up, and who can say no to more cheese?

Customize it your way.

Cherry tomato pasta is so easy to personalize with what you have on hand - here are some options:

• Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for an extra boost of veggies and added texture.
• Add cream or mascarpone for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for added protein to make it a full meal.
• Add chickpeas or white beans for a plant-based protein boost.
• Use burrata or goat cheese instead of feta or parmesan for a creamy, tangy twist.
• Add kalamata olives or capers for a briny, savory pop of flavor.
• Add roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to intensify the sweetness and deepen the flavor of the sauce.
• Add lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten everything up right before serving.
• Top with crushed pistachios or toasted pine nuts - for a little crunch and earthy flavor.
• Swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or even Italian seasoning to change up the herb vibe.

Flexible dietary swaps.

Cherry tomato pasta is easy to adapt with simple dietary swaps that don't sacrifice flavor:

• Gluten-free - use gluten-free pasta and check cheese labels to be sure.
• Vegan - swap feta or parmesan for your favorite plant-based cheese.
• Lower sodium - use reduced-sodium cheese and limit added salt.
• Dairy-free - omit cheese altogether or use a dairy-free alternative.

How to make feta cherry tomato pasta.

This recipe is all about slow roasting and easy mixing-with as little fuss as possible:

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Make infused oil

Add basil, olive oil, and a pinch of salt together in a blender. Process until smooth, then set aside.

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Combine sauce ingredients

In a large bowl, add all of the sauce ingredients and toss to coat. Transfer to a baking sheet.

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Roast then blend

Roast until the tomatoes are done. Remove thyme stems and transfer everything to a blender. Blend until desired consistency.

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Cook pasta

Boil the pasta of your choice until al dente. Reserve some of the pasta water before draining.

How to serve it.

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This cherry tomato pasta is incredibly versatile and always satisfying:

• Serve it warm from the pot with garlic basil oil drizzled on top.
• Topped with an extra handful of feta or parmesan cheese.
• Packed for a summer picnic or weekday lunch
• Served alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or steak.
• With a side of crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
• Served over arugula or baby spinach for a warm pasta salad twist.
• With a poached egg on top and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for brunch vibes.
• Serve alongside roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
• Served family-style with a big salad and lemony vinaigrette.

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