Garlic-Scented Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes
A simple pasta dish where fresh tomatoes and garlic create a bright, aromatic sauce that clings perfectly to al dente linguine. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs linguine, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 linguine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 12 oz, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Toss the drained linguine into the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped basil, cooking for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta strands.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Garlic-Scented 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 Garlic-Scented 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 Garlic-Scented 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 Garlic-Scented 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 Garlic-Scented 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This was absolutely delicious! My family loved the fresh tomato flavor and the garlic scent.
- ★★★★★
A perfect weeknight meal. The linguine cooked perfectly and the cherry tomatoes added a sweet pop.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the dish, but the garlic was a bit too strong. Still a great recipe.
