Sunburst Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish featuring jewel-toned cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, tossed with fresh herbs and garlic in a light olive oil base. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Cherry tomatoes, Penne pasta, thinly sliced Fresh basil 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 Cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz Penne pasta
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced Fresh basil
- 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh oregano
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup, finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne 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 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes just begin to burst and release their juices.
- Step 4: Add the drained penne to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing to coat. Stir in 1/4 cup thinly sliced basil and 2 tbsp chopped oregano until greens are wilted and pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese until melted and creamy. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and additional pepper flakes if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunburst Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta 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 Sunburst 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 cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunburst 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 Sunburst Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta 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 Sunburst Cherry Tomato & Herb Pasta 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
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
