Lemon-Zested Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Bright, fresh pasta tossed with sun-ripened tomatoes and a hint of citrus, finished with fresh basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 27 minutes pairs pasta, cherry tomatoes, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 425 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 pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, finely grate 1 teaspoon of lemon zest from 1 lemon and set aside. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes and mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add halved tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta, reserved pasta water, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta and tomatoes are warmed through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Zested Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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-Zested 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Zested 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-Zested 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-Zested 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
