Pasta with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Basil
Simple pasta tossed with deeply flavored roasted tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for using up summer's bounty in minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 ounces spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 3: Add roasted tomatoes and 2 minced garlic cloves to the drained spaghetti. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1/4 cup fresh basil and toss vigorously. Add 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water to create a light coating.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (10 min prep + 35 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 Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and 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 Pasta with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and 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.
Is Pasta with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes and Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. The basil made it fresh and aromatic.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The roasted tomatoes brought such a rich flavor.
- ★★★★★
This was absolutely delicious! My family loved it and it was so easy to make.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
