One-Pot Cherry Tomato Penne with Basil
A simple, vibrant pasta dish where roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil create a naturally sweet sauce without extra cream. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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 penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, diced red onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 cup, reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup, optional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup pasta water, then set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 red onion (diced) and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 3 cloves garlic (minced) and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved) and 1/4 cup vegetable broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped) and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Add drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until sauce clings to pasta. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cherry Tomato Penne with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Penne with 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cherry Tomato Penne with 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-Pot Cherry Tomato Penne with 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-Pot Cherry Tomato Penne with 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
