Herb-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A simple yet indulgent pasta dish with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs, tossed in a creamy olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 6 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let it brown. Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir in 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/3 cup fresh basil. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Herb-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Pasta?
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 Herb-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Pasta?
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 Herb-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Pasta 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 Herb-Roasted Garlic Parmesan Pasta?
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
- ★☆☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
