Baked Plum Tomatoes With Linguini
Juicy plum tomatoes are baked with garlic, basil, and oregano to develop concentrated flavors, then tossed with linguini for a simple, flavorful Italian-inspired dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, it highlights fresh ingredients and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 13 x 9-inch glass Pyrex dish, pour a layer of olive oil.
- Cut up about 10 plum ripe tomatoes in halves and place them in the dish.
- Sprinkle on top lots of fresh garlic, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano (optional).
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until the tomatoes are soft or reach desired consistency, approximately 35 minutes.
- Cook linguini according to package instructions.
- Add the cooked linguini to the Pyrex dish with the baked tomatoes.
- Toss everything together and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using heirloom tomatoes for a richer taste. If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute linguini with any pasta shape you like, or for a gluten-free option, use zucchini noodles. Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a main course, but you can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or Biondi'S Bruschetta for a complete meal. Drizzling a little extra olive oil on top before serving can elevate the flavors. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with grilled chicken or shrimp.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Plum Tomatoes With Linguini contains roughly 679 calories, with 23g protein, 173g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (380% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 555mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the baked tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them before adding the cooked linguini. This makes for a quick weeknight meal or an easy dish to bring to gatherings.
What can I use instead of plum tomatoes?
While plum tomatoes are ideal due to their low moisture content, you can substitute them with Roma tomatoes or even cherry tomatoes. Just adjust the baking time as needed, since smaller tomatoes may cook faster.
Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. It's a great choice for those following vegan recipes, and you can enhance it with additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).