Pasta with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Al dente pasta tossed with sun-warmed cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a simple, vibrant meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 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 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
- 12 oz Spaghetti
- 2 cups (halved) Cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves (minced) Garlic
- 1/4 cup (chopped) Fresh basil
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup Pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the pasta is coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and additional red pepper flakes to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Sautéed Cherry 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta with Sautéed Cherry 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 Sautéed Cherry 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 Sautéed Cherry 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
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
