One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A simple, fresh pasta dish with sun-ripened tomatoes, basil, and garlic in just one pan. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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 350 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until golden and fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 3: Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes until they burst and release juices. Stir in 1/4 cup white wine and 1/4 cup vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until reduced by half.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats the pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately with extra basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
Is One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
