Lemon Herb Penne with Cherry Tomatoes
Freshly cooked penne tossed in a vibrant lemon-herb sauce with sun-ripened tomatoes and garlic, perfect for a light yet satisfying weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (mediterranean) ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, 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 penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is golden.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they soften, then add 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1/4 cup chopped basil; cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 4: Add the drained penne to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, toss to coat, and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and clings to pasta.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, transfer to a serving dish, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Herb Penne 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 Herb Penne 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 Herb Penne 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 Herb Penne 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 Herb Penne 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
- ★★★★★
The lemon herb sauce was bright and perfect with the cherry tomatoes. My family devoured it!
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a keeper! The fresh herbs and lemon make it so light and flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Great recipe, but I had to cook the tomatoes longer to get them soft enough.
