Spaghetti with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil
A vibrant, quick-cooking pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and aromatic basil, perfect for weeknight dinners. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 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 520 calories and feeds 2, 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 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup, freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil 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 Spaghetti with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh 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 Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh 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 Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spaghetti with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil?
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
- ★★★★★
My kids actually ate tomatoes! The fresh basil made it taste like summer in a bowl.
- ★★★★★
Simple but transformative. Made this for date night and it felt gourmet without the fuss.
- ★★★★★
The cherry tomatoes caramelized perfectly with the basil - my husband even asked for seconds!
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