Basil-Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A simple pasta dish where tender zucchini and sweet cherry tomatoes meet fresh basil in a garlic-herb embrace. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup, diced zucchini
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic turns golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup diced zucchini, cooking for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and zucchini is tender.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, tossing until the sauce coats the strands (about 2 minutes).
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Basil-Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Basil-Zucchini Pasta with 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 Basil-Zucchini Pasta with 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 Basil-Zucchini Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Basil-Zucchini Pasta with 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.
