Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Dill
A vibrant pasta dish featuring plump cherry tomatoes and bright dill, finished with a touch of Parmesan for a fresh, herbaceous dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 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 550 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, reserved 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 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant — do not let garlic brown.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release juices and soften slightly.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Dill take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Dill?
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 Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Dill?
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 Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Dill 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Cherry Tomato Pasta with Fresh Dill?
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
- ★★★★★
Cooked for my husband and he said it was one of the best pasta dishes I've made. Easy and impressive.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The cherry tomatoes were the star and the dill added a lovely freshness.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a summer dinner. The fresh dill made the dish pop. Will make again!
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