Lemon-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan

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

Al dente spaghetti tossed with a bright lemon and fresh basil dressing, sweet cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan for a light Italian-inspired meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, salt, extra virgin olive oil 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp salt. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil. Toss well to combine and warm through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, season with 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and sprinkle 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese on top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan 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 Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan?

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 Lemon-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan?

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 Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan 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 Lemon-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Parmesan?

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

Related recipes