Roasted peach and tomato pasta
Roasted Peach & Tomato Pasta
A balance of sweet roasted peaches, blistered tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan creates a silky, summery pasta that tastes elegant enough for a restaurant menu.
Serves: 4
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 350 g pasta (rigatoni, mezze rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 2 ripe peaches, cut into wedges
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 5 garlic cloves, peeled
- 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp flaky sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 40 g grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving
- Handful of fresh basil leaves
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)
- Toasted hazelnuts or pine nuts, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Roast the fruit and tomatoes
Preheat the oven to 220°C.
Toss together:
- peaches
- cherry tomatoes
- garlic
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- chili flakes
Spread onto a baking tray.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, until:
- tomatoes burst
- peaches caramelize around the edges
- garlic becomes soft and sweet.
2. Cook the pasta
Boil the pasta in well-salted water until just al dente.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Build the sauce
Transfer the roasted tomatoes, peaches, garlic, and all their juices to a large skillet.
Mash some of the tomatoes and garlic with a spoon while leaving some peaches chunky.
Add:
- butter
- a splash of pasta water
Simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Finish
Add the pasta and toss vigorously.
Stir in:
- Parmesan
- lemon zest
- basil
Add more pasta water until glossy and silky.
To Serve
Finish with:
- extra Parmesan
- basil leaves
- cracked black pepper
- toasted hazelnuts or pine nuts
- a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired
Chef's Tips
- Use peaches that are ripe but still firm so they hold their shape during roasting.
- Yellow peaches provide a brighter, tangier flavor than white peaches.
- Roasting the garlic with the fruit eliminates harshness and adds sweetness.
- Finish the pasta off the heat after adding the cheese to keep the sauce smooth.
Delicious Variations
- Add torn burrata or fresh mozzarella just before serving.
- Fold in grilled chicken or prosciutto for extra protein.
- Replace Parmesan with creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the roasting tray for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and crusty sourdough bread, making it an ideal late-summer lunch or dinner.
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