One-Pan Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, weeknight-friendly pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh herbs, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs linguine, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, adding 1 tsp salt. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, until they begin to soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1 tsp lemon zest, then add the drained linguine and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Season with an additional 1/4 tsp salt and serve immediately with 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Linguine with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Linguine 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 linguine from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Linguine 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 One-Pan Linguine 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 One-Pan Linguine 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.

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