Homeschooler's One-Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A simple, colorful pasta dish with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, ready in 20 minutes for busy weeknights. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, (minced) garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves (minced) garlic
- 1.5 cups (halved) cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (chopped) fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes to skillet, stirring for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes begin to burst and release juices.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homeschooler's One-Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Homeschooler's One-Pan Pasta 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Homeschooler's One-Pan Pasta 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 Homeschooler's One-Pan Pasta 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 Homeschooler's One-Pan Pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many one pot recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better one pot dishes though.
