Sunshine Harvest Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A vibrant, one-pan pasta dish bursting with sweet roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast for 15-18 minutes until tomatoes blister and soften.
- Step 2: While tomatoes roast, 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, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- 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 45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti, roasted tomatoes, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta and thickens, adding more pasta water if needed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup sliced basil, and 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 Sunshine Harvest Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 Sunshine Harvest Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Sunshine Harvest Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and 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 Sunshine Harvest Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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.
What goes well with Sunshine Harvest Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and 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 partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
