Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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

A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish where tender spaghetti meets sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, garlic, and zesty lemon in a simple, flavorful sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, adding 1/2 tsp 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: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic turns golden but not brown.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats every strand of pasta.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic 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-Garlic 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic 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 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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.

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