Tarragon-Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti tossed with sweet roasted tomatoes and fresh tarragon, finished with a creamy Parmesan sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh tarragon
- 1/2 cup, finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt on a baking sheet, then roast for 20 minutes until blistered and juicy.
- Step 2: Bring 4 quarts salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti, roasted tomatoes, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 2 tbsp chopped tarragon, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats strands and thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Season with additional salt to taste, then serve immediately with remaining tarragon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tarragon-Parmesan 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 Tarragon-Parmesan 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 Tarragon-Parmesan 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 Tarragon-Parmesan 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.
What goes well with Tarragon-Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
This pasta was a hit at my dinner party! The tarragon and parmesan combo is divine.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this dish. The roasted tomatoes added the perfect sweet-tart note.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor, but the tarragon was a bit overpowering for my taste. Took about 45 minutes to roast the tomatoes, longer than the recipe suggested.
