Sautéed Cherry Tomato Basil Pasta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-17 · Updated 2026-04-17

How this recipe was made — this recipe was drafted by AislePrompt's AI-assisted pipeline from technique templates and USDA-sourced nutrition data, and published by AislePrompt Editorial — see how AislePrompt recipes are drafted and published.

A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with garlic for a bright, summery flavor. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 25 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving

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Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves, minced garlic
2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese

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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 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats strands evenly.
Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.