Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herbed Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Plum Tomatoes?
It is a vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring fire-roasted plum tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and olive oil tossed with pasta.
How many calories are in this pasta dish?
There are approximately 137 calories per serving.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only pasta, vegetables, oil, herbs, and optional cheese.
How many plum tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need between 10 to 12 plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise.
What oven temperature is required for roasting the tomatoes?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long do the plum tomatoes need to roast?
The tomatoes should roast for 45 to 60 minutes until soft and caramelized.
What kind of oil should be used in this Mediterranean recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of olive oil, divided for different steps of the cooking process.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
What seasonings provide the Mediterranean flavor?
The flavor comes from 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much pasta is required for this dish?
You will need 8 ounces of pasta, cooked according to the package instructions.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
How do I coat the tomatoes before roasting?
Whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, then spoon it over the halved tomatoes.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dish contains 9 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this pasta dish contain protein?
Yes, there are 2 grams of protein per serving.
Is Parmesan cheese mandatory for this recipe?
No, Parmesan cheese is listed as an optional ingredient for serving.
How should the tomatoes look when they are done roasting?
They should be soft, caramelized, and slightly browned on top.
How do I create the sauce for the pasta?
Mash half of the roasted tomatoes coarsely with a fork and combine them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How is the final dish assembled?
Toss the cooked pasta, mashed tomato mixture, and the remaining whole roasted tomatoes together gently in a large bowl.
Should the pasta be cooked to a specific texture?
Yes, the instructions recommend cooking the pasta until it is al dente.
Can I add more spice to this dish?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional crushed red pepper flakes when serving if desired.
How should the plum tomatoes be cut?
They should be halved lengthwise before roasting.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and satisfying meal featuring fresh vegetables and olive oil.
What makes this dish Mediterranean?
The combination of olive oil, roasted tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs gives it a classic Mediterranean profile.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
The recipe suggests adding salt and black pepper to taste.
Can this be eaten warm or cold?
The instructions suggest serving the dish warm.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 9 main ingredients.
What is the preparation for the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be minced before being added to the oil mixture.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, despite the roasting time, it is tagged as a quick meal and a comforting dinner option.