Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into a gourmet experience with this mind-blowing Oven Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce! Imagine sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes bursting with intense flavor, kissed by garlic and a tantalizing hint of red pepper heat. This isn't just a sauce—it's a culinary adventure that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent, all with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water and pat them dry using paper towels.
- Place the cherry tomatoes on a large rimmed baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes, then sprinkle minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt evenly across the tomatoes.
- Gently toss the tomatoes using a spatula or your hands to ensure they are well-coated with oil and seasonings.
- Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through cooking to promote even caramelization.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven when tomatoes are soft, slightly charred, and have burst open, releasing their natural juices.
- Using the back of a fork or potato masher, gently crush the roasted tomatoes to create a rustic sauce consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves torn or chopped just before serving.
- Serve immediately over pasta, as a dipping sauce, or as a versatile sauce for various dishes.
Tips
- Choose ripe, vibrant cherry tomatoes for the most intense flavor. Look for tomatoes that are firm but have a deep, rich color.
- Use a large, rimmed baking sheet to allow tomatoes to roast evenly without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of caramelizing.
- Don't be afraid of a little char—those slightly blackened edges add incredible depth to your sauce.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting or a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
- This sauce freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for quick weeknight meals.
- Experiment with different heat levels by adjusting the red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
