Penne with Roasted Tomatoes

1 pint grape tomatoes
4 cloves garlic
3 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp. salt
freshly ground black pepper
Dried red pepper flakes to taste
1/2 pound penne pasta (or similar), cooked according to package directions
Fresh basil leaves, torn or cut in ribbons
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmeson cheese
1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans (optional)

Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise.  Slice or mince the garlic.  Line a baking pan with foil.  Add tomatoes and garlic and toss with olive oil, vinegar, red pepper flakes,  salt and pepper.  The tomatoes should completely cover the bottom of the pan in one layer.  If there is too much space between them, they will dry out when roasted and no juices will be retained.  Roast at 425 degrees for about 15 minutes until the tomatoes release their juice and begin to shrivel.  Cook the pasta.  If using the beans, place them in a pan and drain the pasta into the beans, warming the beans with the hot water.  Drain the beans and put pasta and beans in a warm bowl.  Pour the tomato mixture over the pasta and beans.  Add a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar if the mixture seems too dry and additional salt and pepper to taste. Top with basil and Parmesan cheese.

When JP and I were in Rome I had a dish similar to this that was deceptively simple but tasted so good. 

Alternate Version:

1 package fresh fettuccine (9 oz.)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, sliced thin

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper

3 Tbsp. butter

1/2 cup basil, sliced into ribbons

Parmesan cheese, for serving

Cook fettuccine according to pack directions. While it’s cooking, heat the olive oil in a frying pan and add the garlic and crushed red pepper. Sauté until garlic is fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the tomatoes down until they have released their juice and it begins to thicken, then add the butter And several tablespoons to half a cup of the pasta, cooking water to make a silky sauce.

Drain the pasta and transfer it immediately to the frying pan with the tomatoes, stirring and tossing them to incorporate and spread the sauce throughout the pasta. Add additional pasta water if it seems dry.  Garnish with basil, and serve with Parmesan cheese