Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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

A vibrant one-pan pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh lemon zest, finished with a hint of Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 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 500 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: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss until tomatoes are coated.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the tomato mixture to a large baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Roast for 15 minutes until tomatoes are softened and slightly blistered.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the baking sheet, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tbsp chopped parsley. Toss until cheese melts and pasta is coated.
  5. Step 5: If sauce seems dry, add 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats strands evenly.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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 Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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 Sheet Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta 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.

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