Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes in a Garlic "Butter" Sauce

Today I felt like twirling pasta. And when I walked into the kitchen, the first thing I saw was the package of plum tomatoes that I had bought 3 days ago and which were silently reprimanding me for letting them slowly waste away. So, that was that.

Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes in a Garlic "Butter" Sauce

4 - 5 oz. rice pasta (I used Trader Joe's Rice Sticks, which are shaped like linguine)
16 oz. plum or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 - 3/4 tsp. garlic salt
3/4 tsp. dried oregano
3/4 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. ground pepper
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
3/4 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional; only if you want a little kick)
1 1/2 tsp. Earth Balance Natural Buttery Spread
1 tsp. minced garlic

Preheat the oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Wash the tomatoes and pat dry. If you prefer to have smaller pieces that are more spread out in the dish (which I think would have made this better), slice each of them lengthwise into halves. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl and add the olive oil and dried spices and toss them all together. Place the tomatoes onto the baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 15 minutes. If they finish roasting before the rest of this is done, remove and set aside.

Meanwhile, boil salted water for the pasta. Add the rice sticks, bring back to a boil, and cook for 6-8 minutes (I think I took mine off the burner right at 7). While the pasta is boiling, melt the 1 1/2 tsp. Earth Balance Butter Spread in a small sauté pan with the 1 tsp. minced garlic. Sauté for about 4 - 5 minutes and remove from heat. Drain the pasta well and put it into a large serving bowl. Add the "butter"/garlic mixture and then the roasted tomatoes (be sure to get all the tomato juice and olive oil from the bottom of the pan!!) to the bowl and toss together well. It took me a couple of minutes to incorporate all of the spices throughout the pasta. Ready to serve! I sprinkled a little Vegan Parmesan Grated Topping on mine. A simple meal with only a few ingredients, yet the flavors are so wonderful together that it tastes complex.

Makes 2 large servings.