Roasted red pasta sauce is rich and flavorful, perfect for enhancing any pasta dish.
The magic of this sauce lies in the roasting process. Roasting the cherry tomatoes, red capsicums, and garlic together brings out a depth of flavour that you simply can’t achieve any other way. Plus, the rosemary adds a wonderful aromatic touch that makes this sauce truly special. 🌿
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are probably already in your pantry or fridge.
Rich Flavours: Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delicious charred flavour.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just a bit of roasting time, this sauce comes together effortlessly.
Versatile: While this sauce is perfect for spaghetti, it pairs beautifully with other pasta shapes or even as a pizza base.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Roasted Red Pasta Sauce:
Choose Quality Ingredients: Use the best cherry tomatoes and red capsicums you can find. The freshness of the vegetables makes a big difference. 🌟
Garlic Magic: Microwaving the garlic bulbs for a minute before roasting helps to soften them and makes squeezing out the roasted garlic a breeze.
Blending: For a smoother sauce, blend longer. If you like a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture a few times instead.
Pasta Water: Don’t skip adding pasta water. It helps the sauce adhere to the pasta, making every bite flavourful. 💧
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this roasted red pasta sauce hot, generously sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty garlic bread. 🍞🥗 A nice glass of red wine wouldn’t go amiss either! 🍷
Perfect Pairings:
Garlic Bread: The crunchy, buttery goodness of garlic bread complements the rich flavours of the pasta sauce perfectly.
Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce.
Grilled Vegetables: If you want to keep it light, grilled zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus make a great side dish.
Variations to Try:
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to make this recipe your own:
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chilli flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist. 🌶️
Herb Boost: Mix in some fresh basil or oregano just before serving for an extra herbaceous note. 🍃
Creamy Delight: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a creamy version of the sauce.
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Roasted Red Pasta Sauce
- Author: Steph de Sousa
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey beautiful friends! 🌟
There’s nothing quite like a homemade pasta sauce to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This roasted red pasta sauce is not only delicious but also super easy to make, making it the ideal recipe for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend dinner. 🥰
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place cherry tomatoes and capsicum pieces on a baking tray.
- Cut the top off your garlic bulbs and microwave for 1 minute, then place on the baking tray.
- Sprinkle over some salt, pepper, and olive oil, and place your rosemary on top.
- Roast in your oven on 220°C for 25 minutes or until slightly charred.
- Place tomato and capsicum in a food processor. Squeeze in the roasted garlic (discard the skins), add olive oil, and whizz until smoother.
- Check the flavor and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Pour the sauce into a pan and heat through. Add cooked spaghetti and 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Serve it up hot and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: recipes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are great because of their natural sweetness and size, you can definitely use other types of tomatoes. Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work wonderfully. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces for even roasting. 🍅
If you’re lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, you can substitute Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast will give you a cheesy flavour without the dairy. Alternatively, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like almonds or cashews can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavour. 🌰
You can store this roasted red pasta sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove before serving. ❄️
Hi, I'm Steph!
I turned a lifelong passion for food into a career as a professional chef, stopping in the Masterchef kitchen along the way. My goal is to inspire everyone to learn to love cooking, using basic pantry ingredients and fresh local produce to create delicious dishes.