Sun-Ripened Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic, tossed with al dente spaghetti for a light summer meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 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 450 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
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
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 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is golden.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the tomatoes, adding 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the pasta is well coated.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil, and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Divide among plates and top with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sun-Ripened Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Sun-Ripened Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta?
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-Ripened Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta?
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-Ripened Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta 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 Sun-Ripened Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
