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Flavorful Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce Recipe with Fresh Basil

oven roasted cherry tomato sauce - featured image

A quick and easy oven-roasted cherry tomato sauce bursting with natural sweetness, smoky depth, and fresh basil, perfect for pasta nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (700 grams) cherry tomatoes
  • 45 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus extra to taste
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed and roughly chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper, optional, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, smashed garlic cloves, and salt. Toss gently until evenly coated.
  3. Spread the tomatoes and garlic in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet, avoiding overcrowding.
  4. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, shaking or stirring halfway through for even roasting.
  5. Check for doneness; tomatoes should be soft, caramelized, and bursting. Roast an additional 5 minutes if needed, avoiding burning the garlic.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Stir in roughly chopped fresh basil leaves.
  7. Optional: Blend the sauce with an immersion blender or regular blender for a smoother texture.
  8. Adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, or additional salt as desired.
  9. Serve immediately tossed with your favorite pasta or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the tomatoes on the baking sheet to ensure proper caramelization. Add fresh basil after roasting to preserve its bright flavor. Start with less salt and adjust after roasting as flavors concentrate. For a smoother sauce, blend after roasting. The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: oven-roasted cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil, pasta sauce, easy tomato sauce, roasted tomato sauce, quick pasta sauce, vegan tomato sauce, gluten-free sauce