Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, restaurant-inspired pasta featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and sweet cherry tomatoes in a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, oil-packed, chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 3.8 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to skillet along with 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until cheese melts and sauce coats every strand.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Creamy Sun-Dried 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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Sun-Dried 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 Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Pasta with 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.

Is Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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