15 Tomato Recipes That Go Beyond Sauce

Tomatoes have a way of transforming a dishwhether they’re fresh, sun-dried, roasted, or stewed, they add depth, brightness, and just the right amount of acidity to bring everything into balance. This list shows how versatile they really are, showing up in everything from creamy pastas and grilled mains to soups, seafood, and even a fresh twist on caprese. Some recipes are rich and comforting, others are light and fresh, but they all prove that tomatoes can do a lot more than just be the base for sauce. Whether you’re cooking with heirlooms, grape tomatoes, or sun-dried, these dishes bring out their best in unexpected ways.

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

This version skips the wine but keeps all the flavor, using garlic, lemon, and tomatoes to make a quick pan sauce for shrimp. It’s fast, light, and perfect with pasta or bread. The tomatoes add a juicy base that brings everything together. Done in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Bowtie pasta gets coated in a smooth tomato cream sauce with garlic and herbs. It’s not too heavy but still comforting. Add parmesan or grilled chicken if you want more protein. A family-friendly dinner that’s easy to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Farfalle

Chicken with Red Wine Vinegar and Tomatoes

This skillet dish uses red wine vinegar and tomatoes to make a tangy, flavorful sauce around tender chicken. The acidity cuts through the richness and brings everything together. Serve it over grains or with roasted vegetables. Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Red Wine Vinegar and Tomatoes

Blueberry Tomato Caprese

This twist on a classic caprese salad swaps some of the tomatoes for fresh blueberries, adding a sweet-tart contrast. Layer with mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic. It’s bright, colorful, and works well as a side or appetizer. Best when tomatoes are in season.
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Tomato Caprese

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Chicken cooks quickly on the grill and gets topped with blistered tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a spoonful of pesto. It’s fast, colorful, and loaded with flavor. Serve over greens or grain bowls. Great for warm-weather dinners or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Fresh heirloom tomatoes are tossed with hot pasta, olive oil, and herbs so they just barely soften. The result is light, juicy, and perfect for summer nights. Add fresh basil or a little mozzarella if you want to bulk it up. Best served room temp or slightly warm.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Pasta

Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu)

Tofu gets pan-seared and coated in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The sauce clings to the tofu and makes it feel indulgent without a lot of effort. It’s bold, savory, and totally plant-based. A solid dinner that doesn’t need meat.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sundried Tomato Tofu (Marry Me Tofu)

Pan Roasted Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Tomato Relish

Seared medallions of beef get topped with a chunky tomato relish that adds freshness and acidity. The contrast of flavors makes this feel a little more elevated. Great for entertaining or date night. Serve with roasted vegetables or a grain side.
Get the Recipe: Pan Roasted Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Tomato Relish

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

This dish skips the starch-heavy pasta and uses low-carb gnocchi in a quick tomato and basil sauce. Everything comes together in one pan with just a few ingredients. It’s light, simple, and fast. Works well as a side or main.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes get blended into a smooth sauce with cream, garlic, and parmesan, then tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s fast, rich, and great on its own or with added protein. The flavor is bold without being too heavy. A good option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Baked Fish with Fennel and Tomatoes

White fish bakes gently with sliced fennel and juicy tomatoes, creating a brothy base with tons of flavor. The fennel softens and mellows in the oven, while the tomatoes break down into something sweet and savory. Serve with rice, crusty bread, or just on its own. Light but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Baked Fish with Fennel and Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Tender broccoli gets coated in a garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes stirred in for extra richness. The tomatoes bring sharp, savory flavor that plays well with the mellow vegetables. Works as a side or base for grains or pasta. Comes together in under 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

This soup blends carrots, tomatoes, and red lentils into a thick, smooth bowl with a hint of spice. The tomatoes bring acidity that balances the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It’s filling, simple, and freezes well. Serve with flatbread or a scoop of rice.
Get the Recipe: Carrot and Red Lentil Soup Recipe with Tomatoes

Slow Cooker Shrimp, Farro, and Tomato Risotto

Shrimp and farro cook down in a tomato-based broth that gets thick and flavorful in the slow cooker. The farro keeps its bite, while the shrimp stay tender and juicy. Minimal prep and maximum flavor. Serve with lemon or fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Shrimp, Farro, and Tomato Risotto

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sautéed chicken breasts are covered in a creamy sauce made with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s rich, bold, and quick to make in one skillet. Serve with pasta or spooned over mashed potatoes. Great for a weeknight dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken