Easy Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

There is something timeless about a pasta dish topped with a rich Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce. Especially when it is made from fresh tomatoes, slow roasted with garlic, onion, and a touch of herbs. This Italian roasted tomato pasta sauce is everything a homemade sauce should be. Simple, hearty, and packed with natural sweetness from oven roasted vegetables.

If you have ever wondered why a Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce tastes deeper and more comforting, it is because roasting brings out hidden layers of flavor you cannot get from simmering alone. The caramelized edges, softened garlic, and mellow onion melt together into a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta.

Whether you are craving a classic family dinner, a quick meal after a long day, or something a bit special for guests, this Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce will become your go to. It works with everything from penne and rigatoni to fresh homemade pasta. You can even make a creamy roasted tomato pasta sauce if you feel like switching things up.

By the end of this recipe, you will know how to make the kind of roasted tomato sauce you see in cozy Italian kitchens. With fresh ingredients, no shortcuts, and plenty of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

The beauty of this Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce with fresh tomatoes is that it uses simple ingredients most home kitchens already have. Each one plays a role in building deep, layered flavor that comes alive after roasting.

Here is what you will need:

• Fresh Tomatoes — Use a mix of cherry, vine, or plum tomatoes. The fresher and riper, the better. Their natural sweetness concentrates beautifully during roasting.
• Onion — Adds a mellow sweetness and depth. Roasted onion blends into the sauce, giving it a slightly creamy texture without adding cream.
• Garlic Cloves — Whole, unpeeled cloves roast gently, mellowing in flavor. You will squeeze them out before blending.
• Anchovies — They melt into the sauce, adding savory depth. If you prefer, you can skip them, but they are worth trying at least once.
• Runny Honey — Just a touch balances the acidity of the tomatoes. It enhances the sweetness brought out by roasting.
• Chili Flakes — Optional, but a pinch adds gentle warmth. You can adjust or omit according to taste.
• Olive Oil — Essential for roasting and blending everything smoothly.
• Fresh Basil Leaves — Added after roasting, basil brings a bright, fresh note to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter — Stirred in at the end, it softens the sauce and adds richness.
• Salt and Pepper — To taste, as always.

Easy Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce with Fresh Tomatoes

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This Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce is packed with natural sweetness from roasted fresh tomatoes, garlic, and caramelized onion, finished with basil for a perfect homemade pasta sauce.

• Author: Emily Parker
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Oven Roasted
• Cuisine: Italian Inspired

Ingredients

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• 600 g fresh tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 6 anchovy fillets (optional)
• 6 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon runny honey
• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 30 g unsalted butter

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Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 160°C fan or 180°C conventional.
• 2. Arrange tomatoes and onion in a baking dish, nestle in garlic and anchovies.
• 3. Season with chili flakes, salt, pepper, drizzle with honey and olive oil.
• 4. Roast for 45 to 60 minutes until edges caramelize.
• 5. Transfer to a saucepan, remove garlic skins, and blend until smooth.
• 6. Stir in torn basil and heat gently.
• 7. Add cooked pasta with a splash of pasta water and stir in butter.
• 8. Serve with grated parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

• You can skip anchovies or replace them with capers for a vegetarian option.
• Roast long enough to get a slight char on the onions for maximum flavor.
• The sauce freezes well for up to three months.
• Pairs beautifully with rigatoni, penne, or ditalini.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided in the Recipe card is an estimate only.For the most accurate results, please calculate the values yourself using your preferred nutrition calculator.

This combination makes a Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce that is rustic, flavorful, and versatile enough to pair with all kinds of pasta dishes like this Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad or even this creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Roasted Tomato Sauce

Making a Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce at home is much easier than it sounds. The oven does most of the work, allowing the flavors to deepen naturally while you get on with other things.

Follow these simple steps for a rich, homemade Roasted Tomato Sauce:

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 160 degrees Celsius for a fan oven or 180 degrees for a conventional oven. This moderate heat helps caramelize the vegetables without burning them.
2. Arrange the Vegetables and Anchovies
   In a baking dish, place the fresh tomatoes and onion wedges close together. Add whole garlic cloves and scatter the anchovies over the top. This snug arrangement allows the flavors to mingle as they roast.
3. Season and Drizzle
   Sprinkle over the chili flakes, a little salt and pepper, then drizzle with honey and olive oil. The honey will balance the acidity, while the olive oil helps everything roast evenly.
4. Roast Until Caramelized
   Place the tray in the oven and roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The edges of the onions should start to char slightly, and the tomatoes will collapse into a soft, juicy base.
5. Blend Until Smooth
   Transfer everything from the tray into a large saucepan. Remove the garlic skins, then blend the mixture using a stick blender until smooth. You can also use a food processor if you prefer.
6. Finish with Fresh Basil and Butter
   Add torn basil leaves to the blended sauce and place the pan over low heat. Once warm, stir in the butter until it melts into the sauce. This is your homemade creamy roasted tomato pasta sauce variation if you want a softer finish.
7. Toss with Cooked Pasta
   Cook your favorite pasta and transfer it directly into the sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed, then let it bubble gently for a minute before serving.

This method works whether you want a classic Italian roasted tomato pasta sauce or a comforting dinner like Chicken Pasta or Mezzaluna Pasta.

Pro Tips for the Best Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce Every Time

Mastering a Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce is all about paying attention to a few small details. These tips will help you get that deep, rich flavor every single time you make it.

Let the Oven Work Its Magic

Roast the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and anchovies long enough to let the edges caramelize. This caramelization adds depth and brings out natural sweetness. The roasted onion is a key flavor base, so do not rush the oven time.

Use Fresh Ingredients Whenever Possible

Fresh tomatoes give a more vibrant flavor than canned ones. However, if tomatoes are out of season, high-quality canned tomatoes are still a good choice.

Blend for Your Preferred Texture

Some like their Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce silky smooth, others prefer a bit of texture. Blend until it reaches the consistency you love. If you want a creamy roasted tomato pasta sauce, stir in a little extra butter or even a spoonful of cream after blending.

Jamie Oliver’s Take on Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce

Jamie Oliver often emphasizes simplicity and rustic cooking. His versions of roasted tomato pasta keep ingredients minimal and let the roasting technique shine. This recipe follows a similar philosophy, focusing on fresh ingredients and oven roasting for maximum flavor without overcomplicating things.

Adjust Heat and Sweetness to Taste

Start with a pinch of chili flakes and a teaspoon of honey, then adjust to your liking. The balance of sweet, spicy, and savory is what makes this sauce so satisfying.

Pair It Right

This sauce works beautifully with short pasta like rigatoni or ditalini, but it is equally perfect for stuffed pasta like Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad or a lighter option like Mexican Macaroni Salad.

Substitutions and Variations for Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce

One of the best things about making your own Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce is how flexible it is. You can tweak the flavors, adjust the texture, or even turn it into something entirely new, depending on your mood and the ingredients you have on hand.

Want a Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta Sauce?

If you are craving a softer, richer finish, simply stir in a few tablespoons of cream or a splash of milk after blending. You can also add a little more butter to achieve that creamy texture without overpowering the natural flavors of the roasted tomatoes. This version pairs beautifully with dishes like Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for a cozy dinner.

No Anchovies? No Problem

While anchovies add depth, you can absolutely make this sauce without them. To mimic the savory balance, try adding a few capers or a dash of soy sauce for an umami lift. This keeps the flavor bold and balanced.

Spice It Up

For those who love a bit of heat, increase the chili flakes or add a pinch of crushed red pepper. You can also stir in a spoonful of harissa or a mild chili paste for a different flavor kick.

Make It a Meal

Toss this sauce with grilled chicken or mix it into baked dishes like Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. It also works well with lighter salads like High Protein Pasta Salad, bringing a bold flavor twist.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce

Nutrition Information and Serving Sizes for Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce

This homemade Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce is not only packed with flavor but also lighter than many store-bought options. With wholesome ingredients like fresh tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, it strikes a balance between taste and nutrition.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 7 g (mostly from tomatoes and a touch of honey)
• Protein: 3 g

These values may vary slightly based on the size of your vegetables and any variations you choose, such as making a creamy roasted tomato pasta sauce or adding extra butter.

Serving Size Recommendation

This recipe makes enough sauce for 2 to 4 servings, depending on how saucy you like your pasta. For heartier meals, you may want to double the batch and store extra portions for later use.

It pairs perfectly with a range of dishes, whether you are making a comforting Salmon Pasta Recipe or something classic like Ditalini Pasta.

Conclusion: Ready to Make Your Own Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce?

There is something deeply satisfying about making a Roast Tomato Pasta Sauce from scratch. The way fresh tomatoes, roasted garlic, and caramelized onions blend together feels like a simple kitchen win you will want to repeat often. It is a sauce that fits into busy weeknights, special dinners, or those quiet moments when you just crave something homemade and comforting.

Whether you are stirring it into a classic pasta dish, adding it to a fresh Mexican Macaroni Salad, or pairing it with grilled chicken, this sauce adapts effortlessly. You now have a go-to recipe that rivals any roasted tomato pasta from cookbooks or famous chefs, but with your personal touch in every spoonful.

So why not roast a batch today? You might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen rotation.

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