Fusilli with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil, divided
• 6 large tomatoes (about 3 1/2 pounds), cored, cut in half crosswise, and seeded
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 1/2 cups hot cooked long fusilli (about 8 ounces uncooked pasta)
• 1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• Basil sprigs (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°.
2. Brush a jelly roll pan or shallow roasting pan with 1 tablespoon oil. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer, cut sides down, in pan. Arrange crushed garlic around tomatoes; sprinkle tomatoes with thyme and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
3. Bake at 400° for 30 minutes; drain juices from pan. Bake an additional 30 minutes. Remove tomatoes from pan; cool slightly. Discard juice and crushed garlic. Peel and coarsely chop tomatoes.
4. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped garlic, and cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add chopped tomatoes and basil, and cook 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Add pasta, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese; garnish with basil sprigs, if desired.