Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
A simple, vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil in a garlic-infused oil. This italian-inspired meal prep ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, halved 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh, chopped basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add cherry tomatoes and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Toss drained pasta into skillet with tomatoes, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce. Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan; serve immediately with extra basil.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil 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 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 pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Pasta with 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with 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 Tomato-Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil?
Italian meal prep 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.
