One-Pot Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A vibrant pasta dish where sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil meld into a simple, flavorful sauce with minimal cleanup. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs Spaghetti, halved Cherry tomatoes, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 1.5 cups, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Stir in 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and release juices.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss 1-2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and tomatoes are incorporated.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Pasta with 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Pasta with 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-Pot Pasta with 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.
Is One-Pot Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
