Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Parmesan

Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Parmesan is a luxurious yet rustic pasta dish that perfectly blends roasted tomatoes’ deep, caramelized sweetness with a smooth and creamy Parmesan sauce. Each bite bursts with roasted flavor, fresh herbs, and rich creaminess that hugs every strand of pasta.

The oven-roasted tomatoes bring out a concentrated, almost jammy flavor that elevates the sauce beyond the ordinary — tangy, sweet, and irresistibly savory. Whether served for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into something extraordinary. Roasting the tomatoes deepens their flavor and natural sweetness, and when paired with cream and Parmesan, it creates a sauce that’s both comforting and gourmet.

It’s also one of my favorite make-ahead dishes — the roasted tomatoes can be prepped earlier, and the final assembly takes only minutes. The smell of tomatoes roasting with garlic and olive oil fills your kitchen with pure happiness!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because:

• It’s a creamy pasta that doesn’t feel heavy — the roasted tomatoes cut through the richness beautifully.
• It’s simple and elegant, perfect for both weeknight meals and dinner parties.
• You can easily customize it — add veggies, chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian.
• It highlights seasonal produce with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• It’s pure comfort food — cozy, aromatic, and satisfying in every bite.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 460 kcal per serving

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: Italian-inspired
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

• 500 g (about 1 lb) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

For the Creamy Sauce & Pasta:

• 300 g (10 oz) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rigatoni work best)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup milk (optional, for a lighter texture)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A pinch of chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Roast tomatoes until blistered and caramelized.
2. Sauté onions and garlic, then blend with roasted tomatoes to make the sauce.
3. Stir in cream and Parmesan for a rich, silky texture.
4. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce and garnish with fresh basil and extra cheese.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Spread the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar, and Italian seasoning evenly on the sheet.
4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, slightly caramelized, and bursting with juice.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Base

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
3. Add a pinch of chili flakes (if using) for a touch of heat.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

1. Transfer the roasted tomatoes (and all their pan juices) into a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the roasted tomato puree into the skillet with sautéed onions.
4. Stir and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

1. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
3. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let it simmer for a minute so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

Step 7: Serve

• Plate the pasta, top with extra Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
• Drizzle a touch of olive oil for shine and aroma.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a main course with garlic bread or a green salad on the side.
• Pair with a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling water with lemon.
• Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or roasted vegetables for an extra twist.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes — they roast best and have natural sweetness.
• Don’t skip the reserved pasta water — it helps create a silky, cohesive sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for a smoother texture.
• For a deeper flavor, roast a few whole garlic cloves alongside the tomatoes.
• Add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar before blending for extra depth and tang.

Variations

• Spicy Tomato Pasta: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Tomato Basil Pesto Pasta: Stir in a spoonful of pesto before serving.
• Vegan Option: Replace cream with coconut cream and omit cheese, or use vegan Parmesan.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes.
• Cheesy Bake: Transfer pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Freeze sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or roasting tray
• Blender or food processor
• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Use one 14-ounce can of whole or diced tomatoes — roast them for 15 minutes or simmer in olive oil for deeper flavor.

Q2: How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly.

Q3: Can I skip blending the tomatoes?
If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash them lightly with a fork instead of blending.

Q4: What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work great.

Q5: How can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or almond milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Conclusion

The Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Parmesan is a stunning balance of roasted depth and velvety creaminess. It captures the soul of Italian comfort food — simple ingredients, slow roasting, and rich flavors brought together in harmony.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish always impresses. Every forkful tastes like a warm, cozy embrace filled with love, freshness, and flavor.