Lemon-Garlic Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender pasta coated in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 22 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 penne pasta
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp, finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 4 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta strands.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 3 tbsp chopped basil and 2 tbsp chopped parsley until evenly distributed.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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-Garlic Herb 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-Garlic Herb 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-Garlic Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
Is Lemon-Garlic Herb 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 whole family loved this.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
