One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A simple, single-pan dish featuring al dente pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, finished with a burst of lemon zest and Parmesan. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pasta, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 200 g pasta
- 1/4 cup, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 50 g, grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 200 g pasta and 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained), stirring to coat in the oil. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups water, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/3 cup fresh basil and 50 g grated Parmesan. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving, optionally with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Lemon Herb 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Lemon Herb 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-Pot Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon Herb Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Mediterranean 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
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order mediterranean delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
