Creamy Roasted Tomato Penne Recipe

Tangy Roasted Tomato Penne Recipe: Pasta Magic in Minutes

Summer’s bounty bursts with vibrant, roasted tomato penne that sings with Mediterranean flavors.

Fresh tomatoes caramelize beautifully when kissed by high heat, releasing deep, sweet notes throughout the pasta.

Robust herbs and garlic dance alongside the roasted gems, creating an irresistible sauce that clings perfectly to each penne noodle.

Simple ingredients combine into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily create at home.

This recipe turns ordinary weeknight cooking into a delightful culinary experience.

Serve this colorful plate and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Serve Roasted Tomato Penne with Style

  • Rustic Cheese Crumble: Sprinkle extra fresh goat cheese on top for a tangy burst that melts deliciously into the warm pasta, creating a creamy texture that elevates each bite.
  • Herb Garden Garnish: Scatter fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley over the dish to add a bright, fresh note that complements the roasted tomatoes' rich flavor and brings vibrant color to the plate.
  • Mediterranean Side Dance: Pair this pasta with a crisp Greek salad or serve alongside kalamata olives and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to enhance the Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a dry rosé that will cut through the richness of the roasted tomatoes and goat cheese, creating a balanced and enjoyable dining experience.

Store Your Pasta to Enjoy Again

  • Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a larger quantity of roasted tomatoes and store them separately in airtight containers. These flavor-packed gems will elevate quick weeknight meals for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Separate the roasted tomatoes and cooked pasta before storing. Freeze tomatoes in portion-sized freezer bags for up to 3 months, allowing quick meal assembly whenever hunger strikes.
  • Refrigeration Tips: Store the assembled dish in sealed containers for 2-3 days. Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore the pasta's original texture and rejuvenate the roasted tomato flavors.
  • Lunch Box Solution: Pack this dish in a tight-sealing container for a delightful work or school lunch. Keep goat cheese separate and sprinkle just before eating to maintain its fresh, creamy texture and prevent soggy pasta.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 493 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Roasted Tomato Penne

For Roasting Base:
  • Roma Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet foundation that caramelizes beautifully when roasted, selecting ripe, deep red tomatoes ensures rich flavor development.
  • Olive Oil: Luxurious coating that helps tomatoes roast evenly and adds smooth, silky texture to the dish.
  • Fresh Thyme: Aromatic herb that infuses subtle earthy notes and elevates the roasted tomato's natural sweetness.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning blend that enhances and balances the overall taste profile.
For Pasta Foundation:
  • Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta that wonderfully captures roasted tomato sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.
For Creamy Finishing Touch:
  • Goat Cheese: Tangy, creamy element that adds luxurious richness and provides delightful contrast to roasted tomatoes' intense flavor.

Tools to Cook Up Tomato Penne with Ease

  • Baking sheet: Essential for roasting tomatoes evenly and creating delicious caramelization.
  • Aluminum foil or parchment paper: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for tossing tomatoes with olive oil and seasonings.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to halve or quarter Roma tomatoes.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season the tomatoes.
  • Large pot: Used for cooking penne pasta to perfection.
  • Colander: Drains pasta after cooking.
  • Serving bowls: Allows for beautiful individual plating.

Simple Pasta Instructions with Flavorful Results

  • Tomato Preparation

Slice Roma tomatoes and get ready to transform them into flavor powerhouses. Coat them lovingly with olive oil, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.

  • Roasting Magic

Spread tomatoes on a baking sheet, cut side facing upward. Let the oven work its transformative spell at 375°F for about 30 minutes, concentrating their natural sweetness and creating irresistible caramelized edges.

  • Pasta Perfection

Cook penne until tender, draining when it reaches that ideal al dente texture that promises a delightful bite.

  • Finishing Touches

Arrange pasta in bowls, crown with roasted tomatoes, and crumble goat cheese on top. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese, creating a creamy blanket over the dish.

  • Serving Moment

Dive into this rustic Italian-inspired creation immediately. Pair with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete dining experience that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients.

Adjust This Penne to Suit Your Taste

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Cheese Swap Magic: Experiment with different cheeses like crumbled feta, ricotta, or shredded parmesan for unique flavor profiles that complement the roasted tomatoes.
  • Herb Garden Boost: Mix in fresh basil, oregano, or chopped rosemary during roasting to elevate the tomatoes' aromatic qualities and add a vibrant herbal touch.
  • Protein Power-Up: Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp for a more substantial meal that packs extra protein and flavor.
  • Veggie Upgrade: Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or caramelized onions to create a more complex vegetable medley that adds depth and nutrition to the pasta.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, drizzle with chili oil, or add a pinch of smoked paprika to give the dish a subtle kick and exciting flavor dimension.
Print
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Creamy Roasted Tomato Penne Recipe

Creamy Roasted Tomato Penne Recipe


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4.9 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory roasted tomato penne combines Mediterranean herbs with pasta perfection. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create a delightful meal that you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
  • 12 oz (340 g) Roma tomatoes, trimmed and halved (quartered if large)
  • ⅓ cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless roasting.
  2. Tomato Seasoning: Toss Roma tomatoes with olive oil, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring complete coverage and flavor infusion.
  3. Roasting Process: Arrange seasoned tomatoes cut-side up on the prepared sheet, positioning for optimal caramelization and flavor concentration during a 25-30 minute roasting cycle.
  4. Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously boil penne in salted water until achieving perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside for immediate assembly.
  5. Dish Assembly: Combine roasted tomatoes with cooked penne, creating a vibrant base layered with intense, concentrated flavors.
  6. Final Touches: Scatter crumbled goat cheese over the warm pasta, allowing its creamy texture to slightly melt from residual heat, and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves for an aromatic garnish.
  7. Serving: Present the dish immediately, inviting diners to experience the harmonious blend of roasted tomatoes, perfectly cooked pasta, and tangy cheese.

Notes

  • Tomato Selection Matters: Choose ripe, firm Roma tomatoes for the best roasting results, as they hold their shape and concentrate flavors more effectively.
  • Olive Oil Tip: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the roasted tomatoes’ natural sweetness and create a rich, aromatic base.
  • Roasting Precision: Watch tomatoes closely during the last 5-10 minutes to prevent burning, aiming for a caramelized exterior and soft, concentrated interior.
  • Cheese Temperature Trick: Let goat cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before crumbling to ensure a creamier, more spreadable texture that melts beautifully over the warm pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 493
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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