One-Pan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A fast, aromatic pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil in a single skillet. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, pint cherry tomatoes, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz spaghetti for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes until tomatoes burst and release juices, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti into the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup torn basil. Cook for 2 minutes, tossing until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Pasta with Roasted 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 spaghetti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Pasta with Roasted 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 Pasta with Roasted 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 Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
