Oven-Roasted Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs
Roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil tossed with spaghetti and topped with crunchy garlic breadcrumbs for a flavorful Italian classic. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until tomatoes burst and caramelize.
- Step 2: While tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked spaghetti with the roasted tomatoes (including juices), 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Serve pasta topped with the garlic breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a crunchy, savory finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Roasted Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 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 Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs?
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 cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Roasted Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs?
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 Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs 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 Oven-Roasted Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs 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.
