Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant weeknight pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a bright lemon-garlic sauce with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 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 500 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 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, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they soften, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice and the drained spaghetti, then toss to combine. Add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta, about 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup sliced basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?

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 and Basil?

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 and Basil 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 and Basil?

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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