Vegan Roasted Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes (halved)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 250g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup vegetable broth or pasta water
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Roast the Tomatoes
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Place the halved tomatoes on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
   • Roast for 20-25 minutes, until soft and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Pasta
   • Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
3. Prepare the Sauce
   • In a pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
   • Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
   • Add garlic and cook for another minute.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, roasted tomatoes, and vegetable broth or pasta water.
   • Simmer for 5 minutes, breaking down the tomatoes slightly with a spoon.
   • Add balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Combine & Serve
   • Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until well coated.
   • Serve hot with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan and fresh basil on top.