Spaghetti with Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
Sweet cherry tomatoes roasted until caramelized, tossed with al dente spaghetti and fresh basil for a simple yet deeply flavorful weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 3 minced garlic cloves on a baking sheet. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes burst and edges caramelize.
- 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. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain spaghetti.
- Step 3: Toss drained spaghetti with roasted tomatoes (including all juices), 1/4 cup fresh basil, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Stir until sauce coats strands evenly and thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti with Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Oven-Roasted 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spaghetti with Oven-Roasted 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 Oven-Roasted 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 Oven-Roasted 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my wife's birthday dinner. Everyone raved about the simplicity and taste.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! The tomatoes were bursting with flavor and the basil made it so fresh.
- ★★★★☆
Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tomatoes roasted beautifully, but I wished the sauce had a bit more depth.
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