Roasted Tomato Pasta

close up on roasted tomato pasta in a white serving dish.Make this super simple 30-minute Roasted Tomato Pasta for an unforgettable late summer dinner! With beautifully blistered roasted tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and al dente pasta in every bite, you’ll be making this recipe on repeat. Looking for more light and fresh pasta recipes to add to your dinner menu? Check out my Green Pasta, 15…

close up on roasted tomato pasta in a white serving dish.

Make this super simple 30-minute Roasted Tomato Pasta for an unforgettable late summer dinner! With beautifully blistered roasted tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and al dente pasta in every bite, you’ll be making this recipe on repeat.

Looking for more light and fresh pasta recipes to add to your dinner menu? Check out my Green Pasta, 15 Minute Lemon Pasta, and One Pot Vegan Pasta recipes as well.

Roasted Tomato Pasta in a white serving dish with a spoon.

Cozy and delicious dinners don’t have to be complicated. Just look at this simple Vegan Roasted Tomato Pasta recipe! By roasting tomatoes with aromatics, cooking pasta on the stove, and then tossing the two together, you’re left with an addictively delicious meal that only takes 30 minutes.

Why roast tomatoes for pasta? Obviously, tossing raw cherry tomatoes with cooked pasta is faster and easier, but taking the time to roast them in the oven takes every bite to the next level. The heat of the oven draws out their natural sugars and hidden flavors, and when combined with garlic and herbs, you get a hands-off, umami-packed, and perfectly sweet cherry tomato sauce.

Simple, quick, and healthy, the whole family is going to love this meal, especially when it’s served with a few dollops of my Almond Ricotta Cheese!

Why you’ll love this easy roasted tomato pasta

  • Simplicity at its finest – Roast the tomatoes with herbs and aromatics, cook the pasta, and then toss the two together. That’s all it takes to make this 30-minute dinner!
  • A must for tomato season – Tomatoes thrive during late summer and you will too after trying this recipe. Roasted tomatoes—whether you use cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, or Campari tomatoes—pack every bite of this summer pasta with sweet and umami goodness.
  • Picky eater approved – Its simplicity and layers of Italian flavors make this meal hard to resist, even by the pickiest eaters.

How to make vegan roasted tomato pasta

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then add the minced garlic, salt, oregano, and thyme. Toss to coat.

Roast the tomatoes in the oven until they’re soft, juicy, and slightly charred.

sliced cherry tomatoes and garlic topped with dry herbs in a white baking dish.
roasted cherry tomatoes in a large white baking dish.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta on the stove according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

I used orecchiette pasta but any kind of pasta will work here. Use spaghetti, penne, fettucini, bowtie, gluten-free, zoodles, gnocchi, or any other type you have at home.

Dump the cooked pasta in the baking dish with the tomatoes, along with the chopped basil and lemon juice. Toss to combine.

cooked pasta and fresh herbs on top of roasted tomatoes in a white baking dish.

Serve the pasta right away with vegan parmesan cheese or dollops of my creamy Vegan Ricotta Cheese and more basil on top. Enjoy!

pasta, roasted tomatoes, and herbs tossed together in a white baking dish.

Frequently asked questions

What should I serve with roasted tomato pasta?

This pasta dinner only gets better with vegan parmesan, balls of mozzarella, vegan ricotta, a drizzle of balsamic reduction, and/or fresh basil on top. You could even add a dollop (or two) of my Vegan Pesto Sauce for a fresh and herbaceous twist.

Serve the warm tomato pasta in bowls with vegan garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side. For a complete dinner, pair the pasta with simple side dishes, like a white bean salad, vegan caesar salad, roasted squash and zucchini, or roasted ratatouille.

What kind of tomatoes are best for roasted tomato pasta?

Almost any type of tomato can be roasted, but as a general rule of thumb, smaller varieties are best (small tomatoes = more flavor). I used cherry tomatoes for this recipe, but grape, Campari, Roma, or plum tomatoes all work well, too.

What else can I add to this pasta dinner?

Feel free to roast sliced red onions, red bell peppers, shallots, carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms alongside the tomatoes and garlic. Or, after roasting, stir capers or green or black olives in with the tomatoes and pasta for a briny burst.

How do you store the leftovers?

Transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. When it’s time to eat, reheat the leftovers in the microwave or in a lightly oiled skillet on the stove.

Roasted Tomato Pasta in a white serving dish with a spoon.
close up on roasted tomato pasta in a white serving dish.
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Roasted Tomato Pasta

Make this super simple 30-minute Roasted Tomato Pasta for an unforgettable late summer dinner! With beautifully blistered roasted tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and al dente pasta in every bite, you’ll be making this recipe on repeat.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 373kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes about 2 pints
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 8 ounces pasta of choice
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and place in an oven safe baking dish. Pour the olive oil on top of the tomatoes, then add the minced garlic, salt, oregano and thyme. Stir in the pan to combine.
  • Place in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are collapsing and slightly charred.
  • While the tomatoes roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  • Once the tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven. Add the cooked pasta, along with the chopped basil and lemon juice. Toss to combine.
  • Serve with some grated parmesan (I used Violife) and more basil.

Notes

  1. This is also good with some dollops of vegan ricotta throughout.
  2. For gluten free, use gluten free pasta noodles or zucchini noodles.
  3. For some added protein, consider serving with grilled tofu.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 4 servings | Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 603mg | Potassium: 492mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 818IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

Veggie Chili

a small bowl of veggie chili topped with vegan cornbread.This Veggie Chili features a colorful combination of mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini and corn. It includes two kinds of beans and bulgur, which adds a meaty texture. The ultimate vegetarian chili for every kind of eater. If you’re a chili lover like me, you’ll also get a kick out of these Ultimate Vegan Chili…

a small bowl of veggie chili topped with vegan cornbread.

This Veggie Chili features a colorful combination of mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini and corn. It includes two kinds of beans and bulgur, which adds a meaty texture. The ultimate vegetarian chili for every kind of eater.

If you’re a chili lover like me, you’ll also get a kick out of these Ultimate Vegan Chili (uses tofu as “meat”), Lentil Chili, and Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili recipes!

a small bowl of veggie chili topped with vegan cornbread.

This Veggie Chili is a fuss-free, one-pot dish that’s packed with fresh veggies, canned beans, smoky seasonings, and bulgur. Just one bowl will keep you full and satisfied for hours!

While other vegetarian chili recipes are often made with vegan ground “beef”, this recipe makes tender mushrooms, a medley of sautéed vegetables, bulgur and canned beans the stars. This keeps everything under budget without sacrificing flavor.

Pair each veggie-packed bowl with a batch of my Vegan Cornbread and all the toppings you want, like avocado chunks, vegan sour cream, and tortilla chips.

Why you’ll love this vegan chili recipe

  • Hearty and nourishing – Chock full of veggies and beans, this chili doesn’t skimp on the plant-based protein or fiber. 
  • One-pot meal – Just cook everything in a pot, let the chili simmer for 25 minutes, then enjoy!
  • Make it your own – Customize it with your favorite vegetables, beans and seasonings. And the more toppings, the better!
womans hand using a spoon to stir a batch of veggie chili in a large pot.

How to make veggie chili

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

Add the mushrooms to a large pot and sauté over medium-high heat until they start to soften. Add the onion, carrots, and bell pepper to the pot, sauté for 5 minutes, then add the garlic.

cooking a medley of vegetables in a large pot.

Stir in the rest of the chili ingredients, bring to a boil, and then lower the heat to a simmer. Let the chili simmer until it’s thickened and the bulgur is tender and cooked through.

Is the chili too thick? Thin the consistency by stirring in a splash of water or vegetable broth at a time until it’s thinned to your liking.

Serve the chili in bowls and top with a dollop of vegan sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, avocado chunks, or any other chili toppings you like. Enjoy with vegan cornbread for dunking and enjoy!

cooking veggie chili in a large pot.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make vegan chili in the slow cooker instead?

Yes! To make slow cooker veggie chili, add all of the chili ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours.

What about the Instant Pot?

Yes, this chili is just as easy to make in the Instant Pot. Cook the veggies in the pot as normal using Sauté mode, then mix in the seasonings and cook until fragrant. Cancel Sauté mode and stir in the water, beans, and bulgur.

Secure the lid, place the steam release valve on sealing, and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release using the venting mode, then remove the lid, taste, and adjust the flavors as needed.

Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t inherently gluten-free because bulgur is made from durum wheat. To make it gluten-free, swap the bulgur for an equal amount of cooked quinoa, white rice, or brown rice.

What can I use instead of the beans?

You can swap the black beans or pinto beans for kidney beans or chickpeas instead. Or, if you’re not a fan of beans, feel free to use cooked green or brown lentils, vegan beef crumbles (like Impossible or Beyond ground “beef”), soy curls, or crumbled tofu instead.

What else can I add to this vegetarian chili recipe?

Make this recipe your own by swapping any of the vegetables in the recipe card with your favorites. I love making chili with sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and jalapenos, but you can also keep things simple with a bag of frozen vegetables instead.

How do you store the leftovers? Can you freeze them?

Once the leftover chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow the leftovers to thaw in the fridge before reheating in the microwave or in a pot on the stove.

a small bowl of veggie chili topped with vegan cornbread.
a small bowl of veggie chili topped with vegan cornbread.
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Veggie Chili

This Veggie Chili features a colorful combination of mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini and corn. It includes two kinds of beans and bulgur, which adds a meaty texture. The ultimate vegetarian chili for every kind of eater.
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 266kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cremini mushrooms chopped small or sliced
  • 1 medium onion diced small
  • 4 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn
  • (2) 28-ounce cans diced tomatoes
  • (2) 15-ounce cans black beans drained and rinsed
  • (1) 15-ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/3 cup bulgur
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt or more to taste

Instructions

  • In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the chopped mushrooms. Sauté the mushrooms until the start to release their oils (about 5 minutes), then add the onion, carrots and bell pepper and sauté for 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
  • Now add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the chili gets too thick, add a little more water to thin.
  • Taste; add more salt or seasonings to taste. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve with vegan sour cream, cornbread, tortilla chips and/or shredded cheese.

Notes

  1. Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator and the chili also freezes well. I like to freeze in individual containers for quick meals.
  2. Feel free to substitute any veggies or leave anything out you don’t like.
  3. For gluten free, leave out the bulgur or replace it with quinoa or rice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 8 servings | Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 1347mg | Fiber: 17g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 6917IU | Vitamin C: 50mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 6mg

15 Minute Tahini Pasta

close up on creamy tahini pasta in a large skillet with tomatoes and basil.This simple Tahini Pasta is ready to eat in just 15 minutes! Pasta is tossed in an easy, ultra-creamy, and delightfully nutty tahini sauce, leaving you with the best weekday dinner or lunch. Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Check out my One Pot Pasta, 15 Minute Lemon Pasta, and Green Pasta! I’m a huge…

close up on creamy tahini pasta in a large skillet with tomatoes and basil.

This simple Tahini Pasta is ready to eat in just 15 minutes! Pasta is tossed in an easy, ultra-creamy, and delightfully nutty tahini sauce, leaving you with the best weekday dinner or lunch.

Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Check out my One Pot Pasta, 15 Minute Lemon Pasta, and Green Pasta!

creamy tahini pasta in a large skillet with tomatoes and basil.

I’m a huge fan of easy vegan pasta dinners. They’re low-effort and the whole family loves ‘em! The best part is that you don’t need fancy ingredients for an unforgettable pasta dinner. All it takes are the right pantry staples.

That’s exactly what this 15 Minute Tahini Pasta recipe is all about—simplicity! 

It combines a 6-ingredient creamy tahini pasta sauce with your favorite cooked pasta noodles, cherry tomatoes (or any veggies you like), and fresh basil. The savory-nutty-tangy flavors are perfectly balanced and every bite is more comforting than the last!

Why you’ll love this creamy tahini pasta

  • It’s crazy easy – Would you believe me if I told you that it only takes 15 minutes to make pasta with tahini sauce? It’s true!
  • Super rich and creamy – Two surprising ingredients make this tahini pasta creamy and indulgent: tahini sauce and pasta cooking water! That, plus a handful of simple seasonings, makes this simple yet luxurious meal one to remember.
  • Flexible – There are so many ways to make this recipe your own. Stretch it a little further by adding more vegetables; play with the flavors using extra seasonings and aromatics.
stirring a creamy tahini sauce in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.

Frequently asked questions

What is tahini?

Tahini is a seed paste made from ground sesame seeds. It’s a lot like nut butter but has a runnier texture and a slightly bitter, nutty taste. Tahini is a staple ingredient in hummus but can also add flavor and creaminess to plenty of other recipes, like homemade salad dressings, baked goods, and more.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Of course! Just replace the regular pasta with your favorite short gluten-free pasta noodles.

What can I add to this?

Put your own spin on this dish with the seasonings and add-ins of your choice! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetables – Steamed or roasted asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, or artichokes would add bulk to this dish.

Vegan cheese – Stir in a little vegan parmesan cheese, 2 to 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, or a generous dollop of vegan mascarpone to give the pasta a cheesy twist.

Protein – Toss the pasta with a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas, butter beans, or cannellini beans, or top it with your favorite vegan chicken or baked tofu to make it more filling.

How do you store the leftovers?

After it cools to room temperature, transfer the leftover pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. 

Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water, broth, or non-dairy milk to make the consistency saucy again, if needed.

close up on creamy tahini pasta in a large skillet with tomatoes and basil.
close up on creamy tahini pasta in a large skillet with tomatoes and basil.
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15 Minute Tahini Pasta

This simple Tahini Pasta is ready to eat in just 15 minutes! Pasta is tossed in an easy, ultra-creamy, and delightfully nutty tahini sauce, leaving you with the best weekday dinner or lunch.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 427kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces short pasta noodles penne or fusilli
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup tahini drippy, not super thick
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1-2 cups reserved pasta water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved, optional

Instructions

  • Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil over low-medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  • Pour in the tahini, lemon juice, red chili flakes, reserved pasta water and salt. Stir well.
  • Now add the cooked pasta and mix. Add the fresh basil and halved tomatoes and mix into the creamy pasta.
  • If the pasta gets too dry, add a bit more warm water. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. If your tahini happens to be thick and not drippy, I recommend adding additional pasta water until it’s creamy and smooth.
  2. For gluten free, substitute a gluten free pasta of choice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 6 servings | Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 218mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 537IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 3mg

black bean and vegetable bake

Letter of recommendation: Make a deep skillet of your favorite taco or burrito filling, cover it with cheese and broil the whole lot of it in the oven, then scoop it up with tortilla chips. I hope you’re not asking “Why?” Bec…

Letter of recommendation: Make a deep skillet of your favorite taco or burrito filling, cover it with cheese and broil the whole lot of it in the oven, then scoop it up with tortilla chips. I hope you’re not asking “Why?” Because I know you heard the part about the lightly charred and gooey cheese on top? Did I mention that you get to eat chips for dinner, which, to be fair, you can do anytime you want (adulthood!) but this actually involves a lot of vegetables (adulthood excellence!).

black bean vegetable bake-2
black bean vegetable bake-3

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chicken rice with buttered onions

Over the last few years, and particularly during those long months of 2020, we got really into variations on “chicken rice” — chicken and rice cooked together in an aromatic broth that together is the most cozy, comforting th…

Over the last few years, and particularly during those long months of 2020, we got really into variations on “chicken rice” — chicken and rice cooked together in an aromatic broth that together is the most cozy, comforting thing. The rice is crazy flavorful, drinking up any seasonings and/or vegetables you add to the pan. The chicken is tender and juicy. The dish keeps well even if I’m making it many hours earlier than dinner and the leftovers are phenomenal. It’s relatively inexpensive and I’ve almost always got at least the rice and various pantry items around to make it work. It should run for president.

chicken rice with buttered onions-1
chicken rice with buttered onions-2

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