Best-Looking Tomato Basil Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-ripened cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, tossed with al dente pasta for a colorful, flavor-packed meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 32 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 22 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 12 oz cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet, then roast for 12 minutes until blistered and juicy.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  3. Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  4. Step 4: Add the roasted tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet, stirring until the tomatoes break down slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the strands. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Season with additional black pepper to taste and serve immediately with extra basil.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best-Looking Tomato Basil Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 32 minutes (10 min prep + 22 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 Best-Looking Tomato Basil Pasta with Roasted 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best-Looking Tomato Basil Pasta with Roasted 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 Best-Looking Tomato Basil Pasta with Roasted 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.

Is Best-Looking Tomato Basil Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes