Description
This Spicy Tomato Garlic Confit Pasta is a flavorful Italian-inspired main course featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic simmered in olive oil, combined with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh basil. The dish is elevated with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, a rich depth from tomato paste, and a creamy finish from Parmesan cheese. It offers a silky, luscious sauce that clings to the pasta, making it an ideal meal for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, bucatini, or linguine)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 head garlic, cloves peeled
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast the Confit: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a small baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Roast this mixture for 45–50 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the tomatoes are soft and blistered and the garlic is golden and tender.
- Cook Pasta: While the confit roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Develop the Sauce: When the tomato-garlic confit is ready, transfer the entire contents—including oil, garlic, and tomatoes—to a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the tomato paste and gently stir for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavors and meld the ingredients.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the silky sauce.
- Finish with Cheese and Basil: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and optionally, a drizzle of the infused oil from the confit for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- This dish is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese or substituting with a dairy-free alternative.
- For added protein, top the pasta with sautéed shrimp or roasted chickpeas.
- For an indulgent twist, add burrata cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
