How to Create Creamy Roasted Garlic and Tomato Pasta Sauce
Who doesn’t love a hearty pasta dish bursting with flavor? A creamy roasted garlic and tomato pasta sauce is the perfect way to elevate your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is not only rich and delicious but also surprisingly simple to prepare. With a few fresh ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll create a velvety, flavorful sauce that feels like restaurant-quality cooking. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes (fresh and ripe)
- 1 whole bulb of garlic
- 1 small onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or substitute with plain yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil if you have it)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta (any kind you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Roasted Ingredients
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting the garlic and tomatoes is what brings out their natural sweetness and makes your sauce irresistible.
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Cut the tomatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
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Take the bulb of garlic, slice off the top to expose the cloves, and drizzle olive oil over it. Wrap the bulb loosely with aluminum foil and place it on the baking tray alongside the tomatoes.
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If you’re using an onion, peel it and cut it into quarters, then add it to the tray as well.
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Drizzle the tomatoes and onion pieces with a bit of olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
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Roast everything in the oven for around 30–40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are caramelized and the garlic cloves are soft and golden. The house will smell amazing as this cooks!
Step 2: Blend Everything Together
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Once the roasted garlic and tomatoes are ready, let them cool for a few minutes so you can handle them easily.
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Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins—they’ll be soft enough to pop out effortlessly. Set them aside.
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In a blender or food processor, add the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if used). Blend until smooth to create a base for your sauce.
Pro tip: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, pulse the mixture rather than fully blending it.
Step 3: Cook the Sauce
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Heat a large saucepan on medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to it.
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Pour the blended roasted mixture into the pan and stir. Let it simmer for about 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps deepen the flavors.
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Gradually add the heavy cream to the pan while stirring. The creaminess will balance the tanginess of the tomatoes and give your sauce a velvety texture.
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Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce and enhance its flavor.
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Add dried basil and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using fresh basil, chop it finely and stir it in during the final minutes of cooking.
Step 4: Combine with Pasta
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While your sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to salt the boiling water; this adds flavor to the pasta.
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Drain the pasta and reserve a small cup of the starchy cooking water. This water can be added to your sauce to help it cling better to the pasta and give it the desired consistency.
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Toss the pasta into the saucepan with the creamy garlic and tomato sauce. Mix well to coat every piece of pasta evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your pasta is ready, it’s time to plate it up. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish or individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves for extra flair.
Serve it warm, perhaps with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side. Watch as everyone digs in and enjoys the explosion of amazing flavors!
Bonus Tips
- Add more veggies: If you want a heartier sauce, sauté some mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini and mix them into the sauce before serving.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese—or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Spice it up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of crushed red chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
This creamy roasted garlic and tomato pasta sauce is truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it out and let your taste buds do the happy dance. Cooking doesn’t get much easier—or tastier—than this. Enjoy!
