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
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 Spaghetti with Garlic and 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spaghetti with Garlic and 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 Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Spaghetti with Garlic and Cherry Tomatoes 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.
