One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A vibrant weeknight dinner where al dente pasta cooks directly with roasted tomatoes and fresh herbs in a single pot, creating a naturally creamy sauce without dairy. This italian-inspired pasta 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 450 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
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juice.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz spaghetti, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 cups water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12 minutes, stirring once.
- Step 4: Uncover, add 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously for 2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Pasta with Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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.
What goes well with One-Pot Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
