Pasta with Sautéed Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil
A bright, fresh pasta dish featuring garlic-infused tomatoes and basil, ready in 20 minutes with no extra sauce needed. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Sautéed Garlic, 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 Garlic, 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 Garlic, 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 Garlic, Cherry Tomatoes, and Basil 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.
Is Pasta with Sautéed Garlic, 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
- ★★★★★
Quick and amazing! My kids even ate it without complaining.
- ★★★★★
The basil made it fresh and perfect for summer.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty, but the garlic burned a bit on the edges.
