Lemon-Dill Pasta with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs
A light, bright pasta dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with plump cherry tomatoes, fresh dill, and a lemony herb oil for a refreshing weeknight supper. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 22 minutes pairs pasta, olive oil, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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 pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to burst and release juices.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp chopped basil.
- Step 5: Add drained pasta to skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Dill Pasta with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Pasta with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs?
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 Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Dill Pasta with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs?
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
- ★★★★★
This is my new go-to pasta recipe! So bright and fresh.
- ★★★★★
My family loved the lemon-dill combo. Made it for a dinner party and it was a hit.
- ★★★★☆
This recipe is a keeper! The cherry tomatoes add the perfect sweetness.
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