Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes is a vibrant, fresh, and comforting dish that combines sweet blistered cherry tomatoes with creamy pesto sauce. This Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes recipe is simple yet elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining. The roasted tomatoes add a burst of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with basil pesto and tender spaghetti.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes
- Creamy pesto sauce with rich flavor
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Vegetarian with easy vegan option
- Perfect for summer dinners or meal prep
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes (about 600 g)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons pesto (vegan or regular)
- 2–3 tablespoons cream cheese (vegan or regular)
- 250–300 g cooked spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese (vegan or regular), for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place cherry tomatoes on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 20–25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, blistered, and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Remove the tray from the oven. While the tomatoes are still warm, add pesto and cream cheese directly to the tray.
Stir gently until everything melts together into a creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the tray and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto tomato sauce.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy your Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes.
Tips & Tricks
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Roast tomatoes until lightly caramelized for deeper flavor.
- Use fresh homemade pesto for best taste.
- Add toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Swap spaghetti for penne or linguine.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting + Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Vegetarian (Vegan option available)
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the flavors.
- Best enjoyed fresh but great for leftovers.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead?
Yes, but roasted cherry tomatoes give a fresher and juicier flavor.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use vegan pesto, vegan cream cheese, and vegan Parmesan.
What pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or fusilli all work well.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of water.
How do I make it creamier?
Add extra cream cheese or a splash of pasta water.
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Not ideal for freezing due to cream-based sauce.
Similar Recipes
Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes about 600 g
- 2 –3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons pesto vegan or regular
- 2 –3 tablespoons cream cheese vegan or regular
- 250 –300 g cooked spaghetti
- Parmesan cheese vegan or regular, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cherry tomatoes on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft, blistered, and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Remove the tray from the oven. While the tomatoes are still warm, add pesto and cream cheese directly to the tray.
- Stir gently until everything melts together into a creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the tray and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto tomato sauce.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy your Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Conclusion
Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish delivers fresh Italian-inspired comfort in every bite. Once you try this Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes recipe, it will quickly become part of your regular dinner rotation.