One-Pot Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A rustic pasta dish made in one pot with sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil 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 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 cups cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they burst and release juices. Add 1/4 cup fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and drained spaghetti.
- Step 4: Toss with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until sauce coats the pasta and thickens (about 2 minutes).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
