Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is the perfect embodiment of Italian simplicity — where a few fresh, high-quality ingredients come together to create magic. This dish is light yet full of flavor, with sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and the fresh aroma of basil all tossed with al dente spaghetti and a drizzle of olive oil.

It’s a dish that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the comfort of classic Italian pasta. Every bite bursts with freshness, making it ideal for summer dinners, quick weeknight meals, or even elegant gatherings.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it highlights how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The roasted cherry tomatoes turn beautifully sweet and jammy in the oven, their juices blending with olive oil and garlic to form a naturally rich sauce — no heavy cream or butter needed.

It’s one of those recipes that proves you don’t need to overcomplicate food to make it delicious. The combination of roasted tomatoes, basil, and spaghetti feels rustic, fresh, and authentically Italian. Plus, it’s vegetarian, light, and ready in under an hour — the perfect go-to for busy days when you still want something comforting and homemade.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because:

It’s simple yet sophisticated — minimal ingredients, maximum flavor.
Healthy and light, but incredibly satisfying.
It’s versatile — perfect as a main dish or side to grilled meat or seafood.
It’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples.
It captures the essence of fresh Italian cuisine — tomatoes, olive oil, basil, and pasta in perfect harmony.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 410 calories per serving

Cuisine and Course

Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course / Lunch / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Pasta:

12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or linguine)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for tossing)
Salt (for pasta water)

For Finishing:

½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
Extra olive oil, for drizzling
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Simple Cooking Directions

Roast cherry tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and herbs until soft and caramelized.
Cook spaghetti until al dente.
Toss pasta with roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of Parmesan.
Serve immediately, drizzled with olive oil and pepper.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
On a baking sheet, combine halved cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using).
Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tomatoes are soft, blistered, and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

While the tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Tomatoes

Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven.
In a large skillet or the pasta pot, combine cooked pasta with the roasted tomatoes and their juices.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil

Stir in fresh basil leaves and toss lightly to combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to serving plates or bowls.
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan (optional).
Drizzle with a little more olive oil for shine and flavor.
Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Serve Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil as:

A light main dish with a side of garlic bread or bruschetta.
A side to grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp.
Part of an Italian-style dinner with antipasti or a crisp green salad.

It’s best served warm, but it also tastes great at room temperature, making it wonderful for picnics or casual gatherings.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use ripe cherry tomatoes — their natural sweetness enhances the sauce.
Don’t skip roasting — it concentrates flavor beautifully.
Add a little balsamic vinegar before roasting for extra depth.
Fresh basil should be added at the end to keep its color and aroma vibrant.
Reserve some pasta water — it’s the secret to a silky sauce!

Variations

Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta for richness.
Cheesy Delight: Add fresh mozzarella or burrata on top just before serving.
Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
Vegan Version: Skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Roasted Veggie Twist: Add roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a heartier version.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or a little warm water.

Freezing:

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1 month.
To freeze, cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently — add olive oil or water to bring back texture.

Special Equipment Needed

Large pot for boiling pasta
Baking sheet for roasting tomatoes
Large skillet or mixing bowl
Tongs or pasta fork
Measuring spoons and cups

FAQ

Q1: Can I use regular large tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, but cherry tomatoes caramelize better. If using large ones, chop them into small chunks.

Q2: Can I add other herbs besides basil?
Absolutely — parsley, thyme, or oregano work beautifully.

Q3: What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine are traditional, but penne or angel hair work too.

Q4: Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes — just omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

Q5: Can I roast the tomatoes ahead of time?
Definitely! Roast them in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before tossing with pasta.

Conclusion

Spaghetti with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is proof that simple food can be absolutely divine. The roasted tomatoes create a naturally sweet and tangy sauce, the basil adds freshness, and the pasta ties everything together in classic Italian fashion.

It’s light, healthy, and bursting with flavor — a perfect example of “less is more.” Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a romantic dinner, this dish brings a touch of sunny Italy to your table.