Is there anything more satisfying than a bowl of pasta? It’s a go-to option when you’re feeling overwhelmed, busy, or just in the mood to eat something hearty. Simple and quick, it also happens to be the perfect weekday dish. You can opt for fresh pasta if the occasion calls for it, or substitute for a gluten-free version. And then, of course, there’s the closing note of Parmesan. You can never go wrong there. Read on to discover the perfect summer pasta recipe.

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- 8 ripe tomatoes, cut in half
- 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp light brown sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper to taste
- 1 bag, fusilli pasta
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- Optional: 1 handful freshly grated Parmesan
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Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180˚C.
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Step 2
Place the tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves in a heatproof pan.
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Step 3
Sprinkle the tomatoes with brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Next, add the olive oil.
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Step 4
Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 20 minutes or until soft and slightly browned.
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Step 5
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the bag.
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Step 6
Place the roasted tomatoes in a bowl. Add the garlic by squeezing them out of their skins. With a fork, mash the tomatoes and garlic into a purée. You can also use an immersion blender.
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Step 7
Once cooked, drain the pasta, place it in a serving dish, and toss in the sauce. Add the basil leaves and adjust seasoning to taste. If you wish, sprinkle some parmesan over the dish.