Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant, no-cook pasta dish featuring sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic in under 20 minutes. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they burst and release juices, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Toss for 2 minutes until sauce clings to pasta and tomatoes are warmed through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 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 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 Cherry Tomatoes 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Italian quick meals 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
