Roasted Tomato Brown Rice Pasta Recipe

Cherry tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes are perfect for roasting and add a burst of flavor to the dish.

Olive oil: A staple in many recipes, it helps to roast the tomatoes and adds a rich, fruity flavor.

Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity to the dish.

Brown rice pasta: A gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, offering a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Basil leaves: Fresh and aromatic, they add a burst of herbal flavor.

Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory note that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes.

When roasting cherry tomatoes, make sure to spread them out evenly on the baking sheet to ensure they roast uniformly. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of caramelize, which will affect the depth of flavor in your pasta dish.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: They have a similar sweetness and texture, making them a great alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with roma tomatoes: When chopped, they provide a similar flavor and can be roasted just as well.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: It has a similar smoke point and a mild flavor that won't overpower the dish.

• olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: It has a neutral flavor and is suitable for roasting.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: It provides a similar level of saltiness and can enhance the flavors just as well.

• salt - Substitute with kosher salt: It has a similar texture and flavor profile.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: It offers a similar heat level and can be used in the same quantity.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: For a bit of a kick, though use sparingly as it is spicier.

• brown rice pasta - Substitute with quinoa pasta: It is gluten-free and has a similar texture and nutritional profile.

• brown rice pasta - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: If gluten is not an issue, it offers a similar hearty texture.

• fresh, chopped basil leaves - Substitute with fresh parsley: It provides a fresh, vibrant flavor and can be used in the same quantity.

• fresh, chopped basil leaves - Substitute with fresh cilantro: It offers a different but equally fresh flavor that complements the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use about ¼ teaspoon for each clove of garlic to maintain the flavor.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: They provide a mild garlic flavor and can be minced and used in the same quantity.

• Storing in the Refrigerator:

  • Allow the roasted tomato brown rice pasta to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
  • Transfer the pasta to an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day.

• Reheating:

  • For the best results, reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to prevent it from drying out.
  • Alternatively, you can microwave it. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

• Freezing:

  • To freeze, first let the pasta cool completely. This prevents ice crystals from forming, which can alter the texture.
  • Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months. While the brown rice pasta may lose a bit of its texture, the roasted tomatoes and basil will still provide a burst of flavor.

• Thawing:

  • When ready to enjoy, transfer the frozen pasta to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
  • For a quicker option, you can use the defrost setting on your microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and defrost in short intervals, checking frequently.

• Tips for Maintaining Freshness:

  • If you plan to store or freeze the pasta, consider undercooking the brown rice pasta slightly. This way, it won't become mushy when reheated.
  • Fresh basil can sometimes turn dark when stored. To maintain its vibrant color, add a fresh sprinkle of chopped basil just before serving.
  • For added freshness, drizzle a bit more olive oil over the pasta before storing. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is warm, add the leftover brown rice pasta.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
  5. If the pasta seems dry, add a tablespoon of water or vegetable broth to add moisture.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
  5. For added flavor, sprinkle some extra chopped basil or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Add a tablespoon of water or olive oil to keep it moist.
  3. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel.
  4. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check if it’s heated evenly; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Steam Method:

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Place the pasta in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. This method helps retain the moisture and texture of the pasta.

• Sous Vide Method:

  1. Preheat your sous vide machine to 165°F (74°C).
  2. Place the leftover pasta in a vacuum-sealed bag or a zip-lock bag using the water displacement method.
  3. Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for about 20-30 minutes.
  4. Once heated, remove from the bag and serve immediately.

• Oven: Used to roast the cherry tomatoes until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

• Baking sheet: Holds the halved cherry tomatoes while they roast in the oven.

• Knife: Essential for halving the cherry tomatoes and chopping the basil leaves.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for cutting the tomatoes and basil.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Large pot: Needed to cook the brown rice pasta according to the package instructions.

• Colander: Used to drain the cooked pasta after boiling.

• Large bowl: For combining the cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes, chopped basil, and minced garlic.

• Mixing spoon: Helps to toss everything together until well mixed.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic clove quickly and efficiently.

Pre-roast tomatoes: Roast a large batch of cherry tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add them to the brown rice pasta when needed.

Use pre-minced garlic: Save time by using pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of mincing fresh cloves.

Cook pasta in advance: Cook the brown rice pasta a day ahead and store it in an airtight container. Reheat it quickly when you're ready to assemble the dish.

Chop basil in bulk: Chop a large bunch of basil leaves at once and store them in the fridge. This will save you time during meal prep.