One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes
A simple and flavorful one-pot spaghetti dish simmered with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs for an easy weeknight meal. This Italian-inspired one-pot recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp, chopped (for garnish) fresh parsley
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or wide saucepan, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
- Step 2: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
- Step 3: Pour in 4 cups vegetable broth and add 12 oz dry spaghetti, breaking the pasta in half to fit if needed. Stir in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.








