Mediterranean Pasta With Fire Roasted Tomatoes

I found this recipe on an advertisement page for 'McCormick Gourmet Collection' spices. This recipe sounded pretty good, though maybe a little labor intensive for a week night! I think a nice Italian sausage would add to this dish as well, so I included it as optional.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2  lbs  medium plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise (10 to 12)
• 1⁄2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2  tablespoons  mccormick california style minced garlic made from fresh garlic
• 2  teaspoons  mccormick gourmet collection mediterranean spiced sea salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (or McCormick Gourmet collection Coarse Grind Black Pepper)
• 8  ounces pasta, cooked and drained

• OPTIONAL

• 1  lb  Italian chicken sausage, cut into 1-inch sections, cooked and drained, set aside (optional)

• ADDITIONALLY

•  fresh grated parmesan cheese, to serve

Directions

1. Place tomato halves, cut sides up, in foil-lined 15 x 10 inch pan which has been sprayed with no stick cooking spray.
2. Mix 1/4 cup of the olive oil, minced garlic, spiced sea salt and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Spoon over tomatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil.
4. Bake in pre-heated 400 degree F oven 45 to 60 minutes or until tomatoes are soft and browned on top.
5. Place 1/2 of the roasted tomatoes and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large bowl. Coarsely mash tomatoes.
6. Add pasta and remaining roasted tomatoes; toss to mix well.
7. Add Italian sausage (if using); toss to mix well.
8. Sprinkle with additional spiced sea salt, if desired.
9. Serve with fresh parmesan cheese sprinkled on top and a warm hearty bread and green salad.