Sheet Pan Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple one-pan pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for busy weeknights. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, medium, diced onion 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, combine 12 oz spaghetti, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 diced medium onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves, tossing until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread the spaghetti mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes, stirring once, until spaghetti is golden and onions are tender.
- Step 3: Remove from oven and stir in 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste. Return to oven and roast for 10 minutes until tomatoes are softened.
- Step 4: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sheet Pan Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Tomato Basil Pasta?
American one pot 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
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.