32 Roma Tomato Recipes to Have a Taste of Italy at Home

Roma tomatoes have secured their place as a kitchen staple in countless households because of their rich red hue, firm texture, and dynamic flavor. Originating in the picturesque region of Lazio, Italy, these tomatoes are also known as Italian plum tomatoes.

Roma tomatoes were initially cultivated for their suitability for canning and sauce-making. Today, these beauties are used in a wide range of culinary creations, including hearty stews, exquisite soups, artistic salads, and much more.

Despite being a humble ingredient, Roma tomatoes are a favorite among professional chefs and home cooks alike. They add vibrant color and pleasant acidity, thereby elevating the presentation and taste of food. If you want to experience the magic firsthand, try my awe-inspiring collection of 32 Roma Tomato Recipes.

1. Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Roma tomatoes and meat make a joyful couple; the acidity of tomatoes tenderizes protein and infuses it with a tangy juiciness, which is irresistible. This Roma tomato recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort to make, yet it is simply delicious.

Chicken and tomatoes are two ingredients that are easily available throughout the year, and are widely affordable. This recipe uses chicken breast, which is just a matter of choice.

I like making this dish with chicken thighs, but you may use choose whatever you prefer. If you’re on a diet, you may cut down on the calorie content by excluding the heavy cream; the dish still tastes pretty amazing. 

2. Creamy Cucumber Tomato Salad

Did you know that a tomato is a fruit? It is often mistakenly categorized as a vegetable because of its prevalent usage in cooking.

Tomatoes contain seeds and grow from the flowers of the plant, and that’s what makes them a fruit. The best thing about this unique fruit is that it can be consumed raw and cooked. This Roma tomato recipe is for a yummy salad, so we use it in its natural form.

This salad is highly nutritious and healthy, as it contains all the good kinds of ingredients. However, I usually swap the Greek yogurt/sour cream with sweetened yogurt because I like it more that way. 

3. Homemade Pico De Gallo Salsa

Pico de Gallo salsa is a classic Mexican condiment that is all about using fresh ingredients. It’s primarily made of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice – a refreshing combination packed with flavor.

Homemade Pico de Gallo salsa can be utilized in several ways to elevate the taste of day-to-day meals. You can add it to tacos and enchiladas, enjoy it with tortilla chips, and even use it as a salad with curry and rice. 

The main reason for my fondness of this Roma tomato recipe is that it’s so easy on the eyes; the contrasting vibrant colors are so inviting and invigorating. 

4. Balsamic Glazed Caprese

Balsamic glazed caprese is a simplistic side dish where Roma tomatoes are front and center. It’s the kind of dish one would expect to see at a dinner buffet in a five-star restaurant.

This Roma tomato recipe serves as an excellent entrée when dealing with a vegetarian crowd. You can also make it vegan-friendly by leaving out the mozzarella or using some kind of vegan cheese instead.

This dish can be prepared with any kind of tomatoes, but Roma and cherry tomatoes work best. Balsamic glaze is a key component of this recipe; note to self: it is not the same as balsamic vinegar.

5. Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

Everyone loves a nicely done chicken pasta dish, and this one is a winner if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary. Fresh lemon and basil are two ingredients that make this dish stand out, so don’t use dried or preserved versions.

In this recipe, the tomato skins are peeled off to enhance the overall structure of the dish. Nonetheless, you don’t have to if you don’t want to, or if it feels like too much work.

A quick way to remove tomato peels is to place the tomatoes in boiling water for a minute; once cooled, the peels can easily be pulled off by hand. 

6. Homemade Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato soup with grilled cheese is a classic duo that I’ve cherished since my childhood days. It’s the definition of comfort food and beyond because it brings back so many good memories.

Tomato soup may seem like a humble dish, but a little culinary creativity can turn it into something exquisite. This Roma tomato recipe is ideal to be served as a light appetizer as it has a rich velvety texture despite having no cream in it.

This soup is made from roasted tomatoes, which add a distinct depth to its flavor. The fresh basil gives the soup a lovely aroma and peppery undertones, which makes it even better. 

7. Baked Caprese Chicken

Baked Caprese chicken is an innovative treat where a groovy salad meets tender, juicy chicken. This recipe takes inspiration from the classic Caprese salad, which belongs to the Campania region of Italy.

The Caprese salad traditionally features fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, which remain the core ingredients of this recipe. If you’re a vegetarian, you should try recreating this recipe with eggs in place of the chicken.

I would also recommend this recipe to anyone on a low-carb diet. This is one of those dishes that appear so pretty when assembled correctly and surprise you because they taste just as good as they look. 

8. Parmesan Oven Baked Tomatoes 

Parmesan oven-baked tomatoes are a fun and filling snack that you can prepare in just fifteen minutes. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, so most or all of your friends and family can enjoy it with you.

Roma tomatoes are ideal for this recipe because they hold firm during baking. I think this dish is the perfect side dish to accompany steak and grilled meats.

Did you know that Roma tomatoes are rich in Vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy vision, promote immunity, and prevent certain types of cancer? 

9. Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

Here’s a unique Roma tomato recipe, which offers a burst of fresh and vibrant flavors that awaken the palate.

Marinated tomatoes are so handy and can be used in many ways to enrich your meals. You may savor them as a standalone salad, a side dish, a topping, and even a filling. The possibilities are endless!

Marinated tomatoes are served raw, maintaining their fresh and juicy texture. This means you won’t have to turn on the stove and heat up the kitchen to enjoy this flavorful dish.

10. Tomato Pie

A couple of weeks ago, I was looking for an appetizer to serve at dinner for some very important guests. I needed something unpredictable and delectable but not too complicated to prepare; luckily, I discovered this Roma tomato recipe.

Basil and tomatoes are a power couple, and they truly shine together in this wonderful pie. This dish gets full marks for presentation and an A+ for taste. It manages to impress without incorporating any meat, which is mindboggling.

For best results, pre-bake your pie crust, as this will prevent sogginess and improve stability. 

11. Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

Slow-roasted tomatoes are a luscious treat made by roasting Roma tomatoes at a low temperature for an extended period. This slow and gentle cooking method intensifies the natural flavors of the tomatoes, resulting in a concentrated, sweet, and tender product.

There’s infinite room for culinary creativity when it comes to slow-roasted tomatoes. They can be used as a standalone snack or appetizer, a noteworthy side dish, a topping for crusty bread or crackers, and much more.

At my home, slow-roasted tomatoes are in high demand for adding to salads, pasta dishes, and sandwiches. Whenever I prepare a jar of these, I don’t have to worry about it going bad because it’s emptied within three days. 

12. Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Cajun shrimp pasta with tomatoes is a restaurant-worthy dish that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. This recipe will amaze you with its bold flavors, creamy texture, and vibrant presentation.

If you savor spicy foods regularly, you’re probably a huge fan of Cajun flavors. They add a powerful piquancy to the dish, making every morsel a flavorful explosion in your mouth.

I love how the natural sweetness of shrimp and tomatoes balances the heat of Cajun spices in this pasta dish. 

13. Roasted Roma Tomato Sauce

This Roma tomato recipe is for everyone interested in making a flavorful tomato sauce from scratch. It’s healthy, highly customizable, and not even difficult to make.

Store-bought tomato ketchup was pretty much a staple in my household, but ever since I started making this sauce, my family has overcome their ketchup addiction. Nothing compares to this heavenly homemade sauce!

This tomato sauce works with everything; it’s awesome as a dip for French fries and makes a scrumptious dressing for your pasta. You can modify it with different spices and herbs to create your own signature tomato sauce. 

14. Stuffed Chicken Caprese

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Stuffed chicken Caprese is a neat dish that borrows the classic Caprese salad and packs it inside tender chicken breasts. If you’ve had stuffed chicken breasts before, you just know that this Roma Tomato recipe is going to taste amazing.

Stuffed chicken is a welcome change from the usual burger or sandwich; it’s a great alternative for people on a low-carb diet. This protein-rich meal will satisfy your cravings and keep you energized for hours.

You can also serve the stuffed chicken breast on a plate of noodles or over a bed of seasoned rice. Try different variations of the filling every time if you like experimenting. 

15. Easy Bruschetta Chicken

Here comes another Roma tomato recipe where we use tender chicken breasts as the base of the dish. This time we season and grill the chicken instead of cutting out pockets and filling it.

In this recipe, we bring back the tomato and basil duo, which serves as a luscious topping on our grilled chicken. What you get is a quick low-carb dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights.

This recipe uses balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze. The balsamic vinegar is added to the tomato and basil topping to give it a complex dulcet flavor, whereas the balsamic glaze is used for seasoning the chicken. 

16. Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta

This recipe combines the citrusy flavor of lemon with the fresh herbaceous notes of basil to create a comforting pasta dish.

Lemon plays a prominent role in this dish; it adds a bright and zesty element, which stimulates the humble pasta. On the other hand, basil, which is a staple herb in Mediterranean cuisine, adds a distinctive aroma, which elevates the sensory experience of this dish.

The Roma tomatoes tend to make the dish look extra fancy while adding more depth to the overall flavor. 

17. Toasted Chicken Pesto Flatbread Sandwiches

Are you bored of the options in sandwiches that you grab before work every day and then eat cold because they don’t taste great anyway? It’s time to say goodbye to the unoriginal recipes of delis nearby and consume a sandwich that makes you happy.

The best thing about flatbread sandwiches is that they have a higher filling-to-bread ratio. More filling means more protein and more flavor in every bite.

These sandwiches offer infinite possibilities for modification in the recipe. You can choose your preferred type of flatbread, experiment with different pesto varieties, and add your favorite toppings to make them exclusively yours.

18. Cheeseburger Pizza

The cheeseburger and pizza represent two of the world’s most frequently consumed fast foods. They’re both classic comfort foods we crave every now and then.

Cheeseburger and pizza are a force to reckon with individually, so imagine what it would be like with their forces combined. If you wish to find out, try this Roma tomato recipe today!

Cheeseburger pizza is everything you imagined and beyond; it’s the collaboration we need in our lives. Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to make and uses commonplace ingredients that can be found in every household pantry.

19. Garlic Parmesan Baked Tomatoes

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If you’re looking for a decent baked tomato recipe, this is the best one you’ll find today. Apart from the voluptuous Roma tomatoes, you just need five more ingredients to make this dish.

The breadcrumbs help achieve a nice crispy crust; it turns out even better if you use Japanese Panko, but that’s optional. Garlic is the key ingredient for maximizing the flavor of this modest yet stunning side dish.

The chopped parsley used for garnishing adds a pleasant pop of color and fragrance to the baked tomatoes. 

20. Pomodoro Pasta Sauce

Now let’s talk about this minimalistic pasta recipe I discovered a while ago and have revisited it several times ever since. Penne Pomodoro is a classic Italian pasta dish that translates to “penne with tomato.”

This is a simple and flavorful Roma tomato recipe that highlights the essence of fresh tomatoes and basic ingredients. This dish does not include any meat or protein component, so it’s a hundred percent safe for vegans and vegetarians.

Penne pasta is the top choice for this dish, but you can use other types of pasta as well. Similarly, the dish can be prepared with canned tomatoes, but using fresh produce bestows the ultimate dining experience. 

21. Caprese Style Hasselback Roma Tomatoes

This dish is yet another clever twist on the classic Caprese salad. Here we use the Hasselback technique with Roma tomatoes, which involves making multiple parallel cuts or slits to create a fan-like pattern.

Hasselbacking the tomatoes gives them an elegant and eye-catching persona, making them a praise-worthy addition to the dinner table. This technique also allows for better flavor infusion; the cuts provide more surface area for the flavors to penetrate.

This Roma tomato recipe can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a light main course in case of a vegetarian spread. 

22. Sun Dried and Roma Tomato Bruschetta

Sun-dried and Roma tomato bruschetta is, in essence, tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic vinegar on bread. This might not sound too tempting, but wait until you catch sight of this beautiful dish.

Roma tomatoes are the obvious hero of this dish; they’re sweeter, juicier, and fleshier than any other tomatoes you’ve had, and that’s what makes this dish so gorgeous and appetizing. The mixture of fresh and sun-dried tomatoes gives the topping a unique texture and consistency.

A multigrain artisan loaf is the best choice for making this bruschetta, but it’s totally fine if you want to swap it with a plain bread of your choice. 

23. Linguine Alla Caprese

Linguine alla Caprese is a light and refreshing Italian pasta dish, which is perfect for warmer months or when you crave a lighter meal.

Even though this recipe focuses on the classic Caprese salad ingredients, you can customize the dish by adding your own touch. For instance, I like to garnish this pasta dish with black olives and grated Parmesan cheese to add some richness.

The success of Linguine alla Caprese lies in the freshness and quality of the ingredients used. Ripe and succulent Roma tomatoes, along with fresh aromatic basil leaves, are vital to maintaining the dish’s authenticity. 

24. Caramelized Onion and Tomato Jam

This Roma tomato recipe features a savory jam – an unusual treat that will pleasantly surprise you with its robust flavor profile and versatility. Once you try this, you’ll be putting it on everything.

Caramelized onion and tomato jam can be relished on toast as bruschetta, used as a spread in sandwiches in burgers, or served as an appetizer with chips, crackers, cheese, and biscuits.

This savory jam can be stored in a jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, which is a lot considering how tasty it is; trust me on this – it won’t last that long. 

25. Mexican Meatballs

Mexican meatballs are renowned for their bold and spicy flavors. The meatballs are great on their own, but they taste ten times better when served in a fiery Roma tomato sauce.

The tomato-based sauce featured in this dish is one-of-a-kind and the recipe is easy to follow. Roasting the tomatoes is an important step to yielding a good sauce and the chipotle peppers add a nice kick to it.

These Mexican meatballs pair extremely well with all kinds of pasta, noodles, and rice. You can also use them as a filling in sandwiches, tacos, and enchiladas. 

26. Roasted Tomato Tart

I was visiting an old friend one hot summer day, as she had invited me for brunch at her place. She loves to bake, so I’m always looking forward to her homemade cookies and cake.

This time around, she served a roasted tomato tart alongside her usual dishes, and I was utterly fascinated. I’d never tried anything like this, and I just had to ask for the recipe. She sent this to me and here I am sharing it with all of you.

To make a perfect tart, always prebake the crust and drain the juices of the tomato mixture before spreading it onto the crust. 

27. Garlic Eggplant Penne Pasta 

Cooking eggplant with Roma tomatoes is not only delicious but also offers several health benefits. They are both rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which aid in digestion and improve various bodily functions.

Eggplant is a vegetable, and tomato is a fruit, so this Roma tomato recipe gives us the best of both worlds. The mild creamy flavor of eggplant pairs well with the bright acidic notes of tomatoes.

The pasta is boiled separately before adding it to the eggplant and tomato sauce, which has a chunky gravy-like consistency. This is a unique pasta dish fit for the vegan lifestyle. 

28. Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Basil Sauce

I’ve lost count of how many jars of marinara sauce I’ve exhausted over the years just because preparing spaghetti sauce from scratch always seemed like a daunting sauce.

I kept asking myself: do I even have time for that? Another excuse was that the sauce I make at home would probably turn out terrible because I’m not a professional Italian chef.

Recently, by chance, I came across this Roma tomato recipe and it seemed quite doable, so I thought I should give it a try. I’m glad I did because this came out to be the best spaghetti sauce I’ve ever had. 

29. Pesto Mozzarella Pizza

If you are a big fan of Pizza Margherita like me, this recipe is right up your alley. The main difference between these two is that the former uses regular pizza sauce, whereas the latter incorporates pesto sauce.

The combination of luscious tomatoes and melted cheese on pizza is timeless, so it’s always a delight. Pesto, a sauce originating from Genoa, Italy, is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, hard cheese, and olive oil. It bestows the humble pizza with sophisticated flavors that turn it into a delicacy.  

30. Roasted Garlic & Roma Tomato Sauce

Roasted garlic and Roma tomato sauce is the kind of condiment that is capable of initiating a revolution. Roasted garlic brings a smoky, earthy taste, and the Roma tomatoes provide sweet and sour notes, resulting in a lavish well-rounded sauce.

I keenly endorse this Roma tomato recipe because the homemade sauce is superior to store-bought ones in every aspect. You don’t know what goes into commercial sauce jars, so you have no idea how unhealthy they are.

This homemade sauce is free of preservatives, and you can tailor it to suit your taste and diet. You can pair it with all kinds of savory dishes and immerse yourself in a nourishing gastronomic experience every single day. 

31. Tuscan Roma Pizza

This Roma tomato recipe derives inspiration from the traditional flavors and ingredients of Tuscan cuisine. This pizza recipe follows a simple preparation method, aligning with the Tuscan philosophy of using fresh and high-quality ingredients to allow their flavors to shine.

The pizza is given an artisanal touch as per Tuscan customs. The spinach leaves, and tomato slices are carefully arranged and layered for an appealing presentation.

I make this pizza for the family whenever we have leftover spinach and fresh Roma tomatoes at home. The simple yet refined flavors always manage to uplift everyone’s mood.  

32. Shirazi Salad

Shirazi salad is essentially a cucumber and tomato salad that is native to the city of Shiraz in southern Iran. It is popular for its refreshing and light nature, ideal for hot summer days or whenever you need to cleanse your palate.

This recipe is made with a handful of simple and fresh ingredients that are easily accessible all year round. I believe it’s the best side dish to serve alongside oily and spicy foods.  

The bright green cucumbers, lush tomatoes, and glossy red onions create a colorful salad that is as soothing as a breath of fresh air.