Easy Garlic and Herb Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes
A simple Italian pasta dish combining al dente spaghetti with a light garlic, olive oil, and fresh herb sauce accented by sweet cherry tomatoes. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated parmesan cheese
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and just turning golden.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously with 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Easy Garlic and Herb Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Easy Garlic and Herb Spaghetti 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 Easy Garlic and Herb Spaghetti 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 Easy Garlic and Herb Spaghetti 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.
Is Easy Garlic and Herb Spaghetti with 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.
