Description
This simple yet flavorful Tomato Pasta features roasted grape tomatoes, garlic, and oregano, tossed with angel hair pasta. The tomatoes are roasted until they burst and caramelize, creating a rich and concentrated sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- Grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes), enough to cover a baking sheet in a single layer, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt, plus more for seasoning tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano (or fresh oregano, see notes)
- 6–8 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- Capers (optional)
- 1 (16-ounce) box angel hair pasta (capellini)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Halve the grape (or cherry) tomatoes lengthwise.
- Season Tomatoes: Place the halved tomatoes in a large bowl. Add 3/4 cup of the olive oil, the whole garlic cloves, and a generous amount of salt (at least 1 Tablespoon). Toss well to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Roast Tomatoes: Spread the seasoned tomatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with a little more salt. If using capers, you can add them to the baking sheet now to roast alongside the tomatoes, or add them later to individual servings.
- Roast (First Stage): Roast the tomatoes for 25 minutes.
- Stir and Smash Garlic: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully stir the tomatoes and redistribute them evenly on the sheet. Use the back of a fork or a spoon to smash the roasted garlic cloves into the tomatoes and oil.
- Roast (Second Stage): Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes in the center are soft and sweet, and the tomatoes on the edges are shriveled, crinkly, and slightly caramelized.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tomatoes sit on the hot pan while you cook the pasta. This allows the flavors to further develop.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, rinse with cold water, and drain again.
- Heat Oil and Tomatoes: Heat the remaining olive oil (about 1/4 cup) in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the roasted tomatoes and garlic (along with any accumulated juices from the baking sheet) to the skillet.
- Crisp Tomatoes (Slightly): Let the tomatoes and garlic sit in the hot oil for a few minutes, allowing them to become slightly crispy.
- Add Oregano: Add the dried oregano (or fresh oregano) to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a minute or two, until fragrant.
- Add Pasta: Gradually add the cooked and drained angel hair pasta to the skillet, a little at a time, tossing well to coat the pasta with the tomato-infused oil and tomatoes. Let each handful of pasta sit briefly in the pan to absorb some of the oil before adding more.
- Add Chili Flakes (Optional): Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and toss to combine.
- Crisp Pasta (Optional): After all the pasta has been added, let it sit in the pan over medium-high heat for a few minutes, without stirring, to allow it to crisp up slightly.
- Serve: Serve immediately, on its own or with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes work best for this recipe due to their small size and sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Roasting the garlic cloves whole mellows their flavor.
- Oregano: You can use dried or fresh oregano. If using fresh oregano, use about 2 tablespoons, finely chopped. If you prefer, you could substitute with fresh basil.
- Capers: Capers add a salty, briny flavor. You can add them to the baking sheet with the tomatoes to roast them, or add them directly to the finished dish.
- Pasta: Angel hair pasta (capellini) is recommended for its delicate texture, but you can use other types of pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference, or omit them for a milder dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This pasta dish is delicious on its own or served with a side salad or crusty bread.