Lemon-Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh linguine tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes and herbs, ready in 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs linguine, olive oil, minced garlic 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot (add 1 tbsp salt to water). Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they soften and release juice, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add the drained linguine and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to noodles. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Linguine 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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Linguine 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 Linguine 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.
What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
