Savory Orecchiette with Roasted Grape Tomatoes and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
This delightful Orecchiette dish brings together the comforting flavors of roasted grape tomatoes and sun-dried tomato pesto, making it a warm and satisfying meal, perfect for fall and winter evenings. The unique domed shape of the orecchiette pasta perfectly cradles the rich pesto sauce, while the roasted tomatoes add a pop of sweetness and vibrant color. Finished with fresh basil and a generous scattering of hard ripened cheese, this dish not only pleases the palate but also brings a delightful aroma to your dinner table. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, it's a dish that even the pickiest eaters will adore.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
grape tomatoes
2 pints (halved lengthwise)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
sun-dried tomato pesto
1 (8 ounce) jar (black label)
hard ripened cheese
1/3 cup (shredded, black label sovrano cheese)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
orecchiette pasta
1 (500 g) package (President's Choice black label)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
In a mixing bowl, toss the halved grape tomatoes with olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until evenly coated. Spread the tomatoes onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
3
Roast the tomatoes in the center of the oven for about 25 minutes, or until they are slightly shriveled and caramelized.
4
While the tomatoes are roasting, combine the sun-dried tomato pesto, shredded cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and fresh ground black pepper in a large mixing bowl, stirring until well combined.
5
In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and stir gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions, typically around 9 to 11 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
6
Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup (250 mL) of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta to the pesto mixture, along with half of the reserved cooking water. Toss gently to combine, adding more cooking water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Incorporate the thinly sliced fresh basil into the pasta, mixing well.
7
Serve the pasta in individual bowls, generously topping each with the roasted grape tomatoes. Add additional grated or shaved cheese on top, if desired, for an extra touch of indulgence!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Savory Orecchiette with Roasted Grape Tomatoes and Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, a comforting pasta meal featuring roasted tomatoes and a rich pesto sauce.
What type of pasta is used for this recipe?
Orecchiette pasta is used because its unique domed shape is ideal for holding the sun-dried tomato pesto sauce.
At what temperature should the oven be set for roasting the tomatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the grape tomatoes need to roast?
The grape tomatoes should be roasted in the center of the oven for approximately 25 minutes.
How should the grape tomatoes be prepared before roasting?
The grape tomatoes should be halved lengthwise and tossed with olive oil and salt before being spread onto a baking sheet.
What is the primary sauce component for this orecchiette dish?
The primary sauce is made from an 8-ounce jar of sun-dried tomato pesto mixed with shredded hard ripened cheese and seasonings.
Is this orecchiette recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this recipe is vegetarian.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using a hard ripened cheese, specifically mentioning black label Sovrano cheese.
What should I do with the pasta cooking water?
You should reserve 1 cup (250 mL) of the pasta cooking water to help achieve the desired sauce consistency when mixing the pasta with the pesto.
How long does it take to cook the orecchiette pasta?
The pasta typically takes about 9 to 11 minutes to cook until it is al dente.
How do I know when the roasted tomatoes are ready?
The roasted tomatoes are ready when they appear slightly shriveled and caramelized.
What should be used to line the baking sheet?
A rimmed baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How should the fresh basil be prepared for this dish?
The fresh basil should be thinly sliced before being incorporated into the pasta mixture.
What is the final step before serving the pasta?
The final step is to serve the pasta in individual bowls and top each with the roasted grape tomatoes and extra cheese if desired.
What amount of sun-dried tomato pesto is required?
One 8-ounce jar of sun-dried tomato pesto is required for this recipe.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
While the recipe calls for grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes are a suitable substitute as they have a similar size and sweetness level when roasted.
How much olive oil is used for roasting the tomatoes?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used to coat the tomatoes before roasting.
What seasonings are added to the pesto mixture?
The pesto is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What seasons are best suited for serving this dish?
The recipe is described as a warm and satisfying meal perfect for fall and winter evenings.
What brand of orecchiette pasta is mentioned in the recipe?
The recipe specifies President's Choice black label orecchiette pasta.
How many pints of grape tomatoes are needed?
The recipe requires 2 pints of grape tomatoes.
What is the texture goal for the cooked pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, meaning firm to the bite.
When do you add the roasted tomatoes to the dish?
The roasted tomatoes are added as a topping to the individual bowls of pasta after the pasta has been tossed with the pesto sauce.
How much fresh basil is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of thinly sliced fresh basil.
Can I adjust the consistency of the pesto sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the consistency by adding the reserved pasta cooking water gradually until your desired thickness is achieved.
What are some of the flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features sweet roasted tomatoes, savory sun-dried tomato pesto, salty hard ripened cheese, and fresh herbaceous basil.
Is this recipe considered an easy dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a quick recipe suitable for weeknights.
What amount of hard ripened cheese is needed for the sauce?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of shredded hard ripened cheese.
Where in the oven should the tomatoes be placed?
The tomatoes should be placed in the center of the oven for even roasting.
What is the total number of ingredients listed in the recipe?
There are 9 ingredients listed in the recipe.