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Best Small-Batch Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

small-batch roasted tomato basil pasta sauce - featured image
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This small-batch roasted tomato basil pasta sauce is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Roasting concentrates the sweetness of the tomatoes and mellows the garlic, creating a rich, complex sauce perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz (400 g) canned whole peeled tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) balsamic vinegar

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give it a full 15 minutes to come to temperature.
  2. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto a sheet pan. Add the whole peeled tomatoes (with their juices), garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
  3. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes are softened, slightly wrinkled, and beginning to brown around the edges. The garlic should be golden and soft. Halfway through, give the pan a gentle shake.
  4. Remove the pan from the oven and scatter fresh basil leaves over the hot tomatoes. Let sit for 2 minutes to wilt.
  5. Transfer the roasted tomatoes, garlic, wilted basil, and pan juices to a blender or use an immersion blender. Add balsamic vinegar and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Blend until smooth (or leave slightly chunky).
  6. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If too thick, add a tablespoon of pasta cooking water.
  7. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Return drained pasta to pot, add sauce, and toss over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding pasta water a tablespoon at a time until sauce coats noodles perfectly.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan; use two sheet pans if doubling. Let garlic get very soft. Resist stirring too much. Use good-quality tomatoes. Save pasta water for silky sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted tomato basil pasta sauce, small batch pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, homemade tomato sauce, quick pasta sauce, vegan pasta sauce, gluten-free pasta sauce

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/best-small-batch-roasted-tomato-basil-pasta-sauce/