Al dente Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
A quick, elegant pasta dish where perfectly cooked spaghetti meets sweet tomatoes and aromatic garlic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 22 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Cherry tomatoes, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Spaghetti
- 1.5 cups Cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until tomatoes begin to burst. Toss in drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup fresh basil, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Cook for 1 minute, tossing constantly until sauce coats pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Al dente Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Al dente Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Al dente Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Al dente Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Al dente Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
