Quick Weeknight Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish with sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic basil, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 400 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti (225g) and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves (20g) and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (150g) to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta strands.
  5. Step 5: Divide among bowls, top with 1/4 cup fresh basil (10g) and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g).

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Weeknight Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Quick Weeknight Pasta with 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 Quick Weeknight Pasta with 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 Quick Weeknight Pasta with 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 Quick Weeknight Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes