Vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful pasta dish with roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a light garlic-olive oil sauce that bursts with summer flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, italian pasta, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Cook 12 oz italian pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the roasted tomatoes and 1/3 cup fresh basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (30 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 Vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta?

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 cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta?

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 Vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Vibrant Tomato Basil Pasta?

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.

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