Roasted Tomato & Basil Summer Pasta

Early August is when the tomatoes finally start to come into their own. Whether they’re from the greenhouse, the patio pots, or the allotment beds, they’re warm from the sun, full of flavour, and begging to be used in something simple that really shows them off.

This roasted tomato and basil summer pasta is one of those dishes that feels far fancier than the effort involved. The oven does most of the work, the ingredients are minimal, and the result is a bowl of pasta that tastes like pure summer.

Ingredients

  • 600g fresh tomatoes (any mix of cherry, plum, or standard)
  • 3 cloves garlic, left whole
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • 200–250g pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
  • Large handful fresh basil
  • Optional extras:
    • A spoonful of pesto
    • A sprinkle of chilli flakes
    • Grated hard cheese (Parmesan or a veggie alternative)

Method

1. Roast the Tomatoes

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Halve the tomatoes and place them in a roasting dish with the whole garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, season well, and roast for 25–30 minutes until soft, blistered, and starting to caramelise.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the tomatoes roast, cook your pasta according to the packet instructions. Reserve a mug of pasta water before draining.

3. Build the Sauce

Remove the garlic cloves from the roasting dish, mash them with a fork, and stir them back into the tomatoes. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen everything into a rustic sauce.

4. Combine

Tip the drained pasta into the roasting dish and toss well. Tear in the basil leaves and add any optional extras like pesto or chilli flakes.

5. Serve

Finish with grated cheese if you fancy it. Eat warm, or enjoy cold as a next‑day lunch — it’s gorgeous either way.

Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect with a simple green salad from the garden.
  • Lovely topped with grilled halloumi or roasted veg.
  • Works brilliantly as a base for leftover chicken or chickpeas.
  • Great for batch‑cooking — it reheats beautifully.

The post Roasted Tomato & Basil Summer Pasta appeared first on The Veg Grower Podcast.



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