One-Pot Penne with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish where tender penne melds with sweet tomatoes and aromatic basil in a single pot. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp salt and 12 oz penne pasta, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent browning.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained penne to the skillet, along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every strand of pasta.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and season with 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Penne with Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Penne 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Penne 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 Penne 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.

What goes well with One-Pot Penne with 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.

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