Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil
A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-ripened cherry tomatoes roasted until bursting, tossed with fresh basil and al dente pasta for a simple, satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 3 tbsp, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and softened.
- Step 2: While tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: Toss the drained spaghetti with the roasted tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with 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 Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with 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 Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with 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 Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely loved the flavor combination. The pasta was al dente and the sauce was divine.
- ★★★★★
This recipe is a game-changer! So simple and delicious, I'll be making it every week.
- ★★★★★
The cherry tomatoes were perfectly roasted, and the basil added a fresh touch. My whole family devoured it!
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