Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta
Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring al dente noodles tossed in a velvety, garlicky roasted tomato sauce with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Blended cherry tomatoes create a smooth base enhanced by parmesan and cream, while a splash of reserved pasta water brings it all together.
Ingredients
- 16 Ounce Cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente, reserving a cup of pasta water
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Yellow onion, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 6 Cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 Tsp Kosher salt
- ½ Tsp Pepper
- ¼ Tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ Cup Heavy cream
- ½ Cup Grated parmesan, plus more for garnish
- 1 Cup Pasta water, reserved from cooked pasta
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- The first step is to prepare the pasta. As directed on the package, bring a big pot of water to a boil, add the pasta noodles, and cook them until al dente.
- Before draining and rinsing the noodles, make sure to set aside 1 cup of the cooked pasta water. Before adding the cooked noodles and pasta water to the sauce, set them aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, or until it is tender.
- Cook for one more minute after adding the garlic.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes begin to blister (8–10 minutes).
- Fill a blender* with the tomato mixture, and whirl until smooth.
- Return to the skillet and stir in the cooked pasta, heavy cream, and parmesan. Mix to blend. Add a tablespoon of the pasta water you set aside at a time until the sauce reaches the consistency you want if it's too thick.
- Garnish with parsley and fresh parmesan. Serve.
Notes
When putting hot ingredients in a blender, always use caution. I prefer to add the ingredients after setting the blender in the sink. To allow steam to escape, place the lid on but remove the middle section. To avoid spills and the possibility of burns, fold a towel over multiple times and place it over the lid. Gently return the sauce to your skillet after blending until it's smooth.
