Sun-Kissed Fresh Herb Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed with a bright tomato-herb sauce and a medley of roasted cherry tomatoes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil 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 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet; roast for 20 minutes until tomatoes burst and slightly caramelized.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 3: Finely chop 4 garlic cloves and mince 1/4 cup fresh basil and 3 tbsp fresh parsley.
- Step 4: Heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Add roasted tomatoes, drained spaghetti, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water; toss to coat, adding more pasta water if needed until sauce clings to noodles.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper; toss until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Kissed Fresh Herb Pasta with Roasted 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 Sun-Kissed Fresh Herb Pasta with Roasted 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 Sun-Kissed Fresh Herb Pasta with Roasted 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 Sun-Kissed Fresh Herb Pasta with Roasted 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.
Is Sun-Kissed Fresh Herb Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
