Game Table Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of garlic, served family-style on a wooden board. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until tomatoes burst and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss with garlic oil for 1 minute until water thickens slightly. Stir in roasted tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped basil, and 1/4 cup grated pecorino cheese until evenly distributed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Game Table Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Game Table 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 spaghetti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Game Table 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 Game Table Pasta with Roasted 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 Game Table Pasta with Roasted 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
- ★★★★★
So flavorful and easy! The recipe was spot-on. I used fresh basil from my garden and it was divine.
- ★★★★★
Best pasta recipe I've tried in months. The game table was perfect with the cherry tomatoes. Will make again!
- ★★★★★
This was absolutely delicious! The roasted tomatoes brought such a sweet depth to the pasta. My family couldn't stop raving about it.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.