One-Pan Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant weeknight pasta dish featuring sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a bright burst of fresh basil, all cooked in one skillet. 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 550 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.

★ 4.2 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1/2 cup 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 and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to burst and release juices, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped basil, cooking for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh 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 One-Pan Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh 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 One-Pan Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh 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 One-Pan Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh 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 One-Pan Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh 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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