Tomato-Basil Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes
Fresh basil and charred cherry tomatoes elevate simple pasta with a vibrant, summery flavor that cooks in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, plus extra for garnish fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes are blistered and slightly charred.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, adding 1/4 cup chopped basil and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta, adding more pasta water if needed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and remaining basil, then serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Pasta with Charred Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Charred 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Charred 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Charred 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Charred 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
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
