Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, halved
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved garlic cloves with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes until golden and tender.
Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and rinse with cold water.
In a large bowl, combine roasted garlic, cherry tomatoes, and cooked pasta.
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt/pepper to taste. Pour dressing over the pasta mixture.
Garnish with fresh basil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Serve warm or chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Add mozzarella pearls or grilled vegetables for extra richness.
Use lemon zest for a brighter finish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Lean Chicken
- Method: Roasting & Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg