Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant, one-pan pasta dish featuring sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, finished with a silky garlic-herb oil. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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 penne pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh basil
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet, then roast for 15 minutes until blistered and juicy.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 3: Heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta, 1/2 cup roasted tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, and 1/2 cup fresh basil to the skillet. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and glossy, then season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sun-Kissed Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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 Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many one pot recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
