How to Make a Delicious Pasta Meal with Roasted Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella
In our house, we typically have a weekly “What’s On Hand” meal. My wife and I find ingredients in the refrigerator and pantry that need to be used sooner rather than later and prepare a pasta dish, stir-fry, or Mexican fajita.
This week, we had some leftover fresh mozzarella cheese and fresh broccoli. We also had some Roma tomatoes that I forgot to use in our favorite classic roast chicken dish, plus a few other ingredients we had on hand.
How About a Little Sausage
We were going to grill some Aidells All Natural Chicken & Apple sausages we picked up from Costco and had reserved in the refrigerator for another meal but decided not to use. I would have grilled them, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and added them with the other ingredients. Just an idea.
This is a “quick & easy” recipe you can prepare and serve during the week when you need to get a meal on the table in a limited time. Other than boiling water for the pasta, the only other cooking required is steaming the broccoli and roasting the tomatoes.
It’s easy to do, and what a difference roasted tomatoes make in any dish. Ultimately, you combine all the ingredients in a big bowl and serve. If your timing is down, you can prepare and serve this meal in 30 to 40 minutes.
Roasted Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes are a culinary delight that transforms the humble tomato into a rich, flavorful ingredient. The roasting process intensifies the natural sweetness of the tomatoes, concentrating their flavors and adding a subtle smokiness.
This method involves cooking tomatoes in an oven at a high temperature, typically around 400°F (200°C), often with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a few herbs like thyme or rosemary.
The versatility of roasted tomatoes makes them a staple in various dishes. They can be used as a base for soups and sauces, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Roasted tomatoes also serve as a delicious topping for bruschetta, providing a flavor that pairs wonderfully with garlic and fresh basil. Additionally, they can be mixed into pasta dishes, used as a pizza topping, or included in salads for an extra layer of taste.
Not only do roasted tomatoes enhance the flavor of dishes, but they also offer nutritional benefits. They are rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which is more readily absorbed by the body when tomatoes are cooked. Roasted tomatoes are a simple yet transformative ingredient that elevates everyday meals.
Penne Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella
Ingredients
- ¾ pound penne pasta
- 6 Roma plum tomatoes halved
- olive oil extra virgin
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese small ball
- 10 broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- salt & pepper to taste
- 8 basil leaves chopped finely
- red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- First step is to bring a large pot of water to boil to cook the pasta and pre-heat the oven to 375ºF.
Prep and Roast the Tomatoes
- While the water and oven are heating up, cut the tomatoes in half length-wise and place them cut-side down on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. I like to spray a little Pam to keep the tomatoes from sticking. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top of each tomato half.
- Place the tray in the oven and roast for approximately 20 - 30 minutes. When the tomatoes are done, turn off the oven and leave them in the oven to stay warm until needed.
Prep the Rest of the Ingredients
- As soon as the water comes to a boil, start the pasta and cook until al dente*.
- While the tomatoes are roasting, get everything else ready to go. Chop up the basil leaves and dice the mozzarella cheese into ½ inch cubes. Save a little of the basil leaves and mozzarella for garnishing at the end.
- Wash and trim the broccoli florets off the stem and steam. Try putting them in a colander over the boiling pasta to steam.
Put It All Together
- When the pasta is done, drain it and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients (except for the reserved basil and mozzarella) with the pasta, season with a little salt and pepper and finish with some of your best extra virgin olive oil. You know, the stuff you don't cook with but save for drizzling on Caprese salads.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve in shallow bowls and top with some of the reserved basil, pine nuts and mozzarella. Serve immediately with some Red Pepper Flakes on the side for those who like it a little spicy.
