Lemon Basil Linguine with Sautéed Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes

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

A bright and fresh Italian pasta dish combining al dente linguine with fragrant garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil finished with a lemony finish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs linguine pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 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. Add 12 oz linguine pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until they soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained linguine to the skillet along with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen and coat the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Basil Linguine with Sautéed Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Lemon Basil Linguine with Sautéed Garlic and 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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Basil Linguine with Sautéed Garlic and 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 Lemon Basil Linguine with Sautéed Garlic and 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 Lemon Basil Linguine with Sautéed Garlic and 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.

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