Fresh Herb-Infused Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring al dente linguine tossed with sun-ripened tomatoes and a bright herb infusion. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs linguine, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, adding 1 tsp sea salt. Cook 12 oz linguine until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup fresh basil to the skillet, stirring constantly until tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add drained linguine to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, 2 tbsp fresh oregano, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats each strand evenly.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional sea salt if needed, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fresh Herb-Infused Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Fresh Herb-Infused Linguine 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 linguine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Herb-Infused Linguine 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 Fresh Herb-Infused Linguine 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 Fresh Herb-Infused Linguine 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.

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