Roasted Garlic And Herb Penne with Cherry Tomatoes
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Roasted Garlic and Herb Penne with Cherry Tomatoes a simple yet delicious pasta dish bursting with rich, roasted garlic aroma and juicy, sweet cherry tomatoes. Tossed with fragrant herbs and perfectly cooked penne, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy homemade meal.
Ingredients
- For the Roasted Garlic
- 2 whole garlic bulbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- For the Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- For Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Slice the top off each garlic bulb to expose the cloves. Place them on foil, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and wrap tightly.
- Roast the garlic for 30 minutes until soft and golden. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out the cloves and mash into a paste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened and slightly blistered.
- Stir in oregano, basil, thyme, black pepper, salt, and chili flakes if using.
- Add roasted garlic paste to the pan and mix well.
- Add cooked penne and reserved pasta water. Toss gently until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan before serving.