Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Oil
Pasta tossed with smoky cherry tomatoes and fresh basil oil for a bright, simple weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 12 oz, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until slightly charred and juicy, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes to the tomatoes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Oil 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 Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Oil?
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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Oil?
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 Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Oil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Oil?
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
- ★★★★★
Perfect pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
