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Flavorful Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Brown Butter and Basil

roasted cherry tomato pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, nutty brown butter, and fresh basil for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and torn
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place halved cherry tomatoes on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  2. Roast tomatoes for about 20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized on edges, blistered and releasing juices.
  3. While tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 4-5 minutes). Remove from heat and add minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add roasted cherry tomatoes to skillet with brown butter and garlic. Stir gently to combine and let flavors meld for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
  6. Toss in drained pasta along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Mix until sauce coats noodles nicely, adding more pasta water if needed.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in torn fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning. Spread tomatoes in a single layer to roast evenly and blister nicely. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. Tear basil leaves by hand to avoid bitterness. For dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter and omit Parmesan or use vegan cheese. Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted cherry tomato pasta, brown butter pasta, basil pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food