Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Spaghetti
A vibrant, no-fuss pasta dish where sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh basil create a bright, restaurant-quality sauce in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta 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 520 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
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 lb, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
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: Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not let garlic brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup torn basil. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Spaghetti 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 Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Spaghetti?
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 Tomatoes and Basil Spaghetti?
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 Tomatoes and Basil Spaghetti 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 Tomatoes and Basil Spaghetti?
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
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The simplicity is key!
- ★★★★★
Loved the fresh taste! Made for my kids and they devoured it.
- ★★★★☆
The tomatoes were fresh, but the sauce was a bit bland. I added a pinch of salt to fix it.
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