One-Pot Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta
A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, all cooked in a single pot for effortless weeknight dining. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 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 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, fresh, chopped basil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1/2 tsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release juices, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup fresh basil, salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss to combine and cook for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta.
- Step 5: Divide among plates and top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta 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-Pot Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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-Pot Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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-Pot Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta 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-Pot Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
