Sautéed Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

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

A simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and a garlic Parmesan sauce that coats tender spaghetti strands. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 pint of cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until tomatoes burst and edges caramelize.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add the roasted cherry tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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.

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