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
- Oven Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless roasting.
- Tomato Seasoning: Toss Roma tomatoes with olive oil, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring complete coverage and flavor infusion.
- 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.
- Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously boil penne in salted water until achieving perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside for immediate assembly.
- Dish Assembly: Combine roasted tomatoes with cooked penne, creating a vibrant base layered with intense, concentrated flavors.
- 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.
- 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