There is something irresistibly comforting about a Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe that manages to marry simplicity with extraordinary flavor in one dish. Imagine juicy roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, perfectly melted golden parmesan cheese enveloping every tender strand of pasta, and a hint of fresh garlic seeping into every bite—all coming together in a creamy, luscious sauce. This recipe is so straightforward yet so satisfying, it quickly becomes a fantastic go-to for weeknights or casual gatherings, guaranteed to impress without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe uses a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that make achieving big flavor easy and delightful. Each component plays a special role: olive oil gifts buttery richness, cherry tomatoes add vibrant color and natural sweetness, parmesan cheese brings salty sharpness and creaminess, garlic lends aromatic depth, and fresh basil injects that fresh, herbaceous finish.
- ¼ Cup olive oil: Provides a smooth base to roast tomatoes and helps melt the cheese into a creamy sauce.
- 2 Cups cherry tomatoes: Their natural juiciness and slight sweetness balance the salty parmesan perfectly.
- 5 oz parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully to create that signature golden crust and rich flavor.
- 2 Cups pasta (your favorite kind): Choose any shape you love, from penne to fusilli, that catches the sauce well.
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic zest to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Pepper to taste: A simple seasoning to elevate every bite with subtle heat and complexity.
- Fresh Basil for garnish: Brings a refreshing herbal note and a pop of green color to finish the dish.
How to Make Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Roast Tomatoes and Parmesan
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. In a baking dish, toss the olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese together until the cheese evenly coats the tomatoes. Sprinkle freshly cracked pepper on top for a hint of spice, then slide the tray into the oven. This roasting process lets the tomatoes soften, sweeten, and release their juices, while the parmesan melts and starts to turn a beautiful golden brown.
Step 2: Bake Until Golden and Roasted
Bake everything for about 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for the top of the parmesan to develop a rich, golden crust and for the tomatoes to become wonderfully roasted and tender. This slow, gentle heat melds the flavors, creating the heart of your creamy sauce and infusing it with a gorgeous roasted aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your tomatoes and parmesan are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Make sure to reserve about â…“ cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is a secret weapon that helps bind the sauce and pasta together with silky smoothness.
Step 4: Combine and Create the Sauce
Once the baking is done, carefully remove the dish from the oven and add the minced garlic. Stir everything thoroughly—the softened tomatoes and molten parmesan will start to break down and fuse, forming a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s impossible to resist. The garlic adds a fresh kick that wakes up the palate just right.
Step 5: Toss Pasta in Sauce
Add your cooked pasta to the baking dish along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure the sauce clings to every piece of pasta. The pasta water helps loosen and emulsify the sauce, ensuring each bite is irresistibly rich and flavorful without being heavy.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving
Finish by sprinkling a bit more freshly ground pepper over the top, then serve immediately with fresh basil leaves scattered on the surface. The contrast between the warm, comforting pasta and the bright, herbaceous basil takes the dish to a whole new level of freshness and appeal.
How to Serve Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the perfect companion for this baked pasta, lending a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that complements the roasted tomatoes and rich parmesan sauce beautifully. If you want to get creative, a little drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a scattering of toasted pine nuts can add extra luxury and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to be a star on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal veggies adds balance and freshness to your meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic choice for soaking up every last drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe family-style in a rustic baking dish straight from the oven for a cozy, inviting vibe. Alternatively, plate individual servings garnished with a sprig of basil and a light sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for an elegant look perfect for entertaining. Either way, the golden cheese and roasted tomatoes provide a vibrant, mouthwatering visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe tastes just as delicious the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce continues to develop flavor overnight, making for a tasty microwave or stovetop reheat.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this comforting dish at a later date, freezing is a great option. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, it’s best to freeze without fresh basil and add herbs fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to bring back the creamy consistency and make sure the pasta warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan?
Absolutely! While parmesan is classic for its sharp, nutty flavor and melting ability, you can experiment with pecorino or asiago for a slightly different but equally delicious taste. Just keep in mind the saltiness levels may vary.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
This recipe is quite flexible, but short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal as they hold onto the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use your favorite type, whether it’s spaghetti or farfalle.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use parmesan made without animal rennet. Always check the label or opt for certified vegetarian parmesan to ensure it fits your dietary preferences.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Making a vegan version would require swapping the parmesan for a plant-based cheese alternative and using nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. You may also want to replace olive oil with a vegan butter substitute for richness.
How spicy is this dish? Can I add heat?
This recipe is naturally mild, with pepper adding just a hint of warmth. If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding red pepper flakes before baking or mixing chili oil into the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight supper or a comforting meal to share with friends, this Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe is pure magic. Its blend of roasted tomatoes, melted cheese, and fresh herbs is a foolproof way to satisfy cravings and delight your taste buds. So go ahead, try it out and make this warm, cheesy pasta a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation!
Print
Baked Parmesan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious Baked Parmesan Pasta recipe featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese baked to golden perfection, combined with pasta tossed in a creamy garlic-infused sauce, garnished with fresh basil. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ¼ Cup olive oil
- 2 Cups cherry tomatoes
- 5 oz parmesan cheese
- 2 Cups pasta (your favorite kind)
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh Basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare ingredients: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a baking dish, combine olive oil, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Toss to evenly coat the tomatoes with the olive oil and cheese. Sprinkle with pepper to taste.
- Bake the tomatoes and cheese: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top of the parmesan cheese is golden and the cherry tomatoes are roasted and soft.
- Cook the pasta: While the tomatoes and cheese are baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve â…“ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Combine baked ingredients: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the minced garlic to the baked tomatoes and parmesan, stirring well. The heat will help create a creamy sauce as the cheese melts and mixes with the roasted tomatoes.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta cooking water to the baking dish. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated with the creamy tomato and parmesan sauce.
- Season and garnish: Sprinkle additional pepper to taste. Serve the pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of bright flavor and aroma.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Reserve pasta cooking water is key to achieving the creamy consistency for the sauce.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Adjust baking time if using a different oven or baking dish size.
