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Baked Tomato Pasta (creamy!)

Pasta

4 Servings
Prep 10 min
Bake 35 min
Total 45 min

Ingredients:

  • 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes
  • 4-5 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/3 cup raw cashews
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus more for serving)
  • 12 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, rigatoni, or penne work well)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
  • cashew parmesan, for topping

Equipments:

  • Casserole dish or baking dish
  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Blender or potato masher
  • Measuring cups and spoons
Meal Prep Friendly
Leftover Friendly
Soy-Free

Features:

Meal Prep Friendly

Leftover Friendly

Soy-Free

Nutrition:

Serving Size 1 of 4  Calories 420  Carbohydrates 58g  Fat 16g  Fiber 5g  Protein 11g  Monounsaturated 10g  Saturated 2g  Vitamin A 80mcg  Vitamin C 25mg  Calcium 60mg  Iron 2.5mg  Potassium 520mg  Cholesterol 0mg  Sodium 430mg  Sugar 6g

*Nutrition info is an estimate and may vary with cooking methods and ingredients.

Make Now

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven – Preheat to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Roast the Base – In a casserole dish, combine 2 pints (4 cups) cherry tomatoes, 4–5 peeled garlic cloves, ⅓ cup raw cashews, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sea salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Toss to coat. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until tomatoes burst and cashews are lightly golden.
  3. Cook the Pasta – While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 340 g (12 oz) pasta per package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. Make the Sauce – For a rustic sauce, mash the roasted mixture directly in the dish with a fork. For a creamy sauce, transfer to a blender and blend smooth, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
  5. Combine and Serve – Toss hot pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the noodles. Top with ¼ cup fresh basil, cashew parmesan, and extra black pepper.

Notes:

  • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining — it's the key to a saucy, glossy finish that clings to the pasta.
  • Roasting cashews alongside the tomatoes gives the sauce extra depth and creaminess.

Storage:

  • Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen.

Swaps:

  • Add white beans or lentils to the casserole dish for extra protein.
  • Use sun-dried tomatoes alongside cherry tomatoes for a more intense flavor.

Tips:

  • For a silkier sauce, blend everything in a high-speed blender rather than mashing directly in the pan.