TOMATO PESTO SAUCE RECIPES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place the tomatoes on a baking sheet skin side down. Roast until the tomatoes become soft and fragrant, about 20 minutes. Let stand until cool enough to handle; then chop coarsely.
• Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 clove of the garlic and the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes with all of their liquid. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in the red-pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Taste and add more salt if needed.
• Meanwhile, bring a small pot of water to the boil. Add the basil leaves and blanch for 5 seconds. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Drain well. Place the basil in a blender with the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil, the remaining garlic, the pine nuts, cheese and water. Blend until pureed, stopping several times to scrape down the sides of the jar.
• Just before serving, spoon the pesto on top of the tomato sauce and swirl it in to create a marbled effect. Serve over cooked pasta.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium-low heat, mix together the pesto and basil tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, and season with salt to taste. (You can also heat the sauce in a covered microwave-safe bowl: cook on high for one minute.)
• Place pasta in a large serving bowl. Toss with pesto-tomato sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.