Sautéed Garlic Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes
Quick-cooked spaghetti tossed with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a vibrant weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
- Step 3: Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss for 1-2 minutes until sauce coats pasta and thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Garlic Spaghetti with 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Spaghetti with 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 Spaghetti with 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.
What goes well with Sautéed Garlic Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
