This light and simple meatless pasta dish is so flavourful that can be made within 30 minutes. This recipe only requires a few ingredients and is a perfect meal during those busy days throughout the week.
This lovely dinner for two recipe is perfect for date night or a scrumptious dinner for any day of the week to simplify meal prep and still enjoy a delicious meal without standing over the stove for hours.
This recipe is perfect for anyone who has an abundance of grape tomatoes and doesn’t know what to do with them. That was my case for me, so I decided to make this simple dish that only requires a few ingredients and what makes this dish so flavourful are the fresh ingredients. Using these local grape tomatoes, fresh local garlic and finishing it off with sliced fresh basil. I have to admit, adding fresh ingredients really makes a dish pop and has you going back for more!
When making this dish:
- Slice the grape tomatoes in half before adding to the baking dish, and when adding garlic, I have sliced the cloves, or roughly chopped the garlic, either way you will get the full flavour of the garlic.
- Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil is adequate amount of oil for this dish, since the tomatoes will release it’s juices and create enough flavourful liquid.
- When choosing olive oil, I recommend a good quality extra virgin olive oil for better flavour; just to keep my cost down, I purchase one bottle of good quality olive oil and have another bottle that is mid-priced for everyday use, that way it helps on the grocery bill
Recipe Ingredients:
Tomatoes: I used grape tomatoes however, cherry tomatoes can be easily substituted
Olive Oil: if possible use good quality of olive oil can make a difference in flavour; I like to purchase on good quality extra virgin oil for dishes like this
Garlic: two cloves are plenty for this dish
Seasonings: salt and freshly ground pepper
Herbs: dried oregano is added before placing this dish in the oven and fresh basil for garnishing
Penne: was my choice, however, spaghetti or spaghettini works well too
Walnuts: chopped walnuts were added for a crunchy texture
Parmesan cheese: very little is needed and Nutritional yeast can be substituted
FAQ
Can I use whole tomatoes for this recipe? I would recommend staying with either grape or cherry tomatoes for this recipe. The whole tomatoes will add more liquid and require longer roasting time.
Can I substitute the herbs? Yes you can, fresh oregano, or thyme but I would recommend using fresh basil for garnishing for a full flavoured dish
Do I have to use walnuts as a garnish? No you don’t, I added it for texture, healthy option and flavour, but you can do without or if you like pine nuts would be lovely option as it is used in some Italian dishes
Penne with Roasted Garlic and Grape Tomatoes
Equipment
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 9 oz grape tomatoes, cut in half (250 g)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 4 oz penne pasta (spaghetti is optional)
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated for garnishing
- 5 fresh basil leaves, sliced
- 2 tbsp walnuts, roughly chopped (pine nuts)
- freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a medium baking dish, add cut grape tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to thoroughly combine all ingredients and place in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, add water to a medium sauce pan, bring water to a boil, add ¼ tsp of salt then add the pasta. Cook until al dente and drain.
- Once the tomatoes are tender, and juicy, remove from the oven, then add pasta and stir to coat with the olive oil and juices of the tomatoes, combining well.
- Serve immediately, and garnish with Parmesan cheese/nutritional yeast, fresh basil slices, nuts and freshly ground pepper. Enjoy!
Nutrition
How to make this recipe:
Prep your ingredients, and as I mentioned, there are a few ingredients to add to this recipe. I like to use local ingredients if all possible and we have a fabulous olive oil maker in the city called https://thepristineolive.ca/ if you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend them. Also they ship their products throughout Canada.
Preheat oven to 400°F. In a medium baking dish, add cut grape tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to thoroughly to combine all the ingredients and place in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes.
Once you remove from the oven, the tomatoes should be tender and juicy, and the aroma will have you wanting to dive in asap. Then add the pasta directly into the baking dish, and stir thoroughly until well combined with the olive oil, tomatoes juices, garlic and oregano. Taste if there needs anymore seasoning.
Serve it up with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly sliced basil, and freshly ground pepper. Walah, you have a perfect, delicious dinner!!
