Are you craving a delicious pasta dish that won't derail your weight loss journey? Look no further! This Roasted Tomatoes Garlic Pasta is about to revolutionize your dinner routine with its burst of Mediterranean flavors and incredibly easy preparation. Imagine tender spaghetti embraced by sweet, caramelized roasted cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic, all coming together in under 35 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves incredible taste without the extra calories, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Wash cherry tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Slice larger tomatoes in half to ensure even roasting.
- In a mixing bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with minced garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned tomatoes and garlic on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
- Roast tomatoes in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become slightly charred and burst, releasing their natural sweetness.
- While tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooked pasta with roasted tomatoes and garlic. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
- Gently toss the pasta and roasted tomatoes together, using reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the pasta and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil leaves for added freshness and visual appeal.
Tips
- Choose high-quality cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Ripe, vibrant tomatoes make a significant difference in the final dish.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting tomatoes. Give them space to caramelize and burst properly, which intensifies their flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating a silky, light sauce that helps bind the pasta and roasted tomatoes.
- For extra flavor, consider using whole wheat spaghetti to boost nutritional value and add a nutty undertone to the dish.
- If you're watching portion sizes, use a kitchen scale to measure your pasta precisely for accurate Weight Watchers points.
- Fresh basil is crucial - add it just before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic quality and beautiful green color.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or white beans without significantly increasing the dish's calorie count.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
