Zesty Roasted Tomato Penne Recipe: Bright & Savory Comfort

Roasted tomato penne upgrades ordinary pasta into a culinary adventure that tingles taste buds with vibrant Mediterranean flair.

Intense heat caramelizes each tomato, unlocking deep, rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Sweet and tangy notes merge seamlessly with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

Robust ingredients mingle to produce a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

The technique elevates simple components into something truly extraordinary, revealing cooking’s magical potential.

Fresh herbs and quality ingredients make all the difference in this straightforward yet impressive meal.

Bold and satisfying, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

What Dishes Pair Nicely with Roasted Tomato Penne

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the roasted tomato's sweet-tangy flavor with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness of goat cheese and complementing the herb-infused pasta.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a vibrant side dish featuring peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the roasted tomatoes' intense flavor profile and add a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Accompany the penne with warm, rustic sourdough slices to soak up the delicious roasted tomato juices and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.
• Complement with Light Red Wine: Choose a smooth, medium-bodied Chianti or Beaujolais that won't overpower the delicate roasted tomato flavors, offering a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.

Roasted Tomato Penne Variations for Any Mood

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap thyme with a blend of fresh basil, oregano, and rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that elevates the roasted tomato experience.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes and a drizzle of harissa paste to introduce a spicy dimension that complements the sweet roasted tomatoes and creamy goat cheese.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Incorporate grilled chicken or seared shrimp to transform the penne into a hearty, protein-rich meal that still maintains the roasted tomato's vibrant essence.
• Vegan Cheese Alternative: Replace goat cheese with cashew cream or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that preserves the dish's rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavor.

Why Roasted Tomato Penne Is Pure Comfort Food

• Elevate Flavor Intensity: Roasting tomatoes concentrates their natural sweetness and creates a deep, rich taste that transforms an ordinary pasta dish into a gourmet experience.
• Simplify Cooking Process: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Enjoy Versatile Comfort: The combination of creamy goat cheese and roasted tomatoes delivers a comforting yet sophisticated texture that feels both familiar and exciting, suitable for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal: This recipe takes under 45 minutes to prepare, offering a quick, healthy option packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors that will satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

Ingredients That Make Roasted Tomato Penne Pop

• Roma Tomatoes: Sweet and meaty variety perfect for roasting, best when ripe and firm with deep red color.
• Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that adds earthy, slightly minty flavor to the roasted tomatoes.

• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well, ideal for capturing roasted tomato flavors.
• Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheese that provides a rich and smooth texture to the dish.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil for roasting tomatoes and adding richness, choose extra virgin for best flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of tomatoes and pasta, use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.

How to Cook Roasted Tomato Penne with Depth and Flavor

Step 1: Prepare Tomato Magic

Wash tomatoes thoroughly and slice them in half or quarters. Remove any stems or blemishes. Place tomato pieces in a mixing bowl.

• Drizzle olive oil over tomatoes
• Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves
• Add salt
• Grind fresh black pepper

Toss ingredients until tomatoes are evenly coated.

Step 2: Create Roasting Setup

Line baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Spread seasoned tomatoes in a single layer with cut sides facing upward.

Step 3: Roast To Perfection

Place baking sheet in oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Roast tomatoes for 25-30 minutes until edges become slightly crispy and centers look concentrated and juicy.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Base

Bring large pot of salted water to rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain pasta completely.

Step 5: Combine Delicious Elements

Transfer hot pasta to serving bowls. Gently layer roasted tomatoes over pasta. Crumble fresh goat cheese on top.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and flavors are vibrant.

Easy Tips for Better Roasted Tomato Pasta Every Time

• Select Ripe Tomatoes: Choose firm, vibrant Roma tomatoes at peak ripeness for the most intense, sweet roasted flavor.
• Arrange Carefully: Spread tomatoes cut-side up on the baking sheet to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.
• Control Moisture: Pat tomatoes dry before seasoning to help them roast instead of steam, concentrating their natural sweetness.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with olive oil, salt, and herbs- they enhance the tomatoes' natural richness and depth.
• Watch Roasting Time: Check tomatoes around 20 minutes to prevent over-charring, adjusting oven time based on their size and ripeness.

Keeping Roasted Tomato Penne Fresh for Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover penne to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheat in Microwave: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Restore Moisture: Add a splash of olive oil or a small amount of water when reheating to refresh the pasta's texture and prevent it from becoming too dry or sticky.

Roasted Tomato Penne Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Roasted tomato penne brings Mediterranean sunshine to pasta lovers’ tables. Juicy tomatoes caramelize with herbs, creating a rich sauce that coats perfectly al dente noodles and welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) Roma tomatoes, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)

Dairy and Cheese:

• ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta, cooked according to package directions

Herbs, Oil, and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for effortless roasting.
2. Slice Roma tomatoes and gently tumble them in a mixing vessel with fragrant olive oil, delicate thyme sprigs, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring each tomato is luxuriously coated.
3. Spread the seasoned tomatoes onto the prepared sheet, positioning cut sides upward to maximize caramelization and concentrate their natural sweetness.
4. Roast the tomatoes in the heated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, watching them transform into intensely flavored, slightly wrinkled jewels of culinary delight.
5. Simultaneously, cook penne pasta in a generously salted pot of boiling water until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
6. Transfer the tender pasta into serving vessels, creating a warm foundation for the roasted tomatoes.
7. Layer the caramelized tomatoes generously over the penne, allowing their concentrated essence to mingle with the pasta.
8. Crumble creamy goat cheese across the dish, letting its richness melt slightly from the residual heat.
9. Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves for a burst of herbal aroma and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately, inviting diners to savor the harmonious blend of roasted tomatoes, pasta, and tangy cheese.

Notes

• Elevate ordinary pasta by transforming humble Roma tomatoes into concentrated bursts of intense, caramelized goodness.
• Create a restaurant-quality meal in just 40 minutes using minimal ingredients and maximum flavor techniques.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg