Lemon-Infused Pasta with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
A bright, simple pasta dish with zesty lemon and sweet cherry tomatoes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 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 520 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 12 oz, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1, zest and juice lemon
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, 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.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes until they begin to soften and release juice, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then toss in the drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Cook for 1 minute, tossing constantly until the sauce coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Season with 1 tsp salt and additional lemon juice if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Infused Pasta with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Infused Pasta with Garlic and 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-Infused Pasta with Garlic and 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-Infused Pasta with Garlic and 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-Infused Pasta with Garlic and 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for summer evenings—light, fresh, and ready in 20 minutes. The garlic and lemon zest meld beautifully with the pasta.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! The lemon brightness cuts through the richness, and my kids even asked for seconds on the cherry tomatoes.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavors, but the lemon was slightly overpowering for my taste. I'd reduce the zest next time and add a splash of pasta water to balance it.
