Spaghetti with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Sweet cherry tomatoes blistered to a smoky finish tossed with al dente spaghetti and fresh basil for a simple Italian pasta dish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, grams cherry tomatoes, tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 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 ounces spaghetti
- 400 grams cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, roughly torn fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 400 grams of cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes blister and start to char, releasing their juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and reserved 1/2 cup pasta water to the skillet. Toss well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves. Toss gently before serving immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Spaghetti with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 Spaghetti with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
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 Spaghetti with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Spaghetti with Charred Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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.
