Creamy Air Fryer Tomato Herb Soft-Cheese Pasta
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
What you need
This creamy air fryer tomato herb soft-cheese pasta starts with blistered cherry tomatoes and garlic, then everything gets stirred into hot pasta with a block of garlic-herb soft cheese until glossy and clingy. It’s the weeknight dinner that feels special without dirtying a dozen pans — rich, herby, and ready in about half an hour.
For the roasted tomatoes:
- 400g cherry or baby plum tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mixed oregano + basil)
- ½ tsp chilli flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp fine salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the pasta:
- 300g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 150g garlic-herb soft cheese (spreadable soft cheese block), cubed
- 40g finely grated Parmesan (optional, for extra savoury depth)
- Small handful fresh basil or parsley, torn
- Splash of reserved pasta water
- Extra olive oil and black pepper, to finish
Recipe Steps
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil for the pasta.
- Toss the tomatoes and garlic with olive oil, dried herbs, chilli flakes, salt and pepper. Tip into an air-fryer-safe dish or liner that fits your basket.
- Air-fry at 190 °C for 12–15 minutes, shaking once, until the tomatoes are blistered, jammy, and starting to collapse. Squeeze the soft garlic from its skins into the dish.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Tip the hot pasta into a warm bowl or back into the pan. Add the cubed soft cheese and a splash of pasta water; stir until it melts into a creamy sauce.
- Fold through the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and their juices. Loosen with more pasta water if needed. Stir in Parmesan if using, then finish with fresh herbs, olive oil and black pepper. Serve straight away.
Tips & Variations
- Extra creamy: Add 2–3 tbsp double cream or a knob of butter with the soft cheese.
- Protein boost: Stir through shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy chickpeas, or air-fried prawns.
- Veggie add-ins: Toss spinach or baby kale into the hot pasta so it wilts in the sauce.
- Milder herbs: Skip chilli flakes and finish with lemon zest for brightness.
- Make ahead: Roast the tomato mix up to a day ahead; reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
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