Lemon-Dill Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Bright lemon and dill flavor with sweet cherry tomatoes and capers over tender pasta. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped dill weed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp finely chopped dill weed
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp capers
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz penne pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 2 tbsp capers. Sauté for 4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp finely chopped dill weed, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp grated parmesan. Add drained pasta and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Cook for 2 minutes until pasta is heated through and sauce thickens slightly, adding more pasta water if needed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with 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-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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 Lemon-Dill 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
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better pasta dishes though.
