One-Pan Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A bright, fast weeknight meal with al dente pasta coated in a vibrant lemon-herb sauce and juicy cherry tomatoes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tbsp salt for water). Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In the same large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is golden but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they start to break down and release juices, then stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup lemon juice.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce thickens and coats pasta strands.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until melted and sauce is creamy and glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Pasta 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lemon Herb Pasta 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 One-Pan Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian one pot 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
