Gemini Twin Pasta with Lemon-Herb Cream

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Two distinct pasta shapes bathed in a bright lemon-herb sauce with roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, creating a visually stunning yet simple weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, farfalle, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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.

★ 3.7 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet; roast for 12 minutes until blistered and juicy.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes; add 4 oz farfalle and cook 2 more minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: While pasta cooks, mince 3 garlic cloves and finely chop 1/4 cup basil. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp lemon zest, simmering gently for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta, 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, and roasted tomatoes to the skillet. Toss for 2 minutes until coated, then stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the pasta, add remaining 1/4 cup fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste; toss to combine and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gemini Twin Pasta with Lemon-Herb Cream take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 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 Gemini Twin Pasta with Lemon-Herb Cream?

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 Gemini Twin Pasta with Lemon-Herb Cream?

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 Gemini Twin Pasta with Lemon-Herb Cream 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 Gemini Twin Pasta with Lemon-Herb Cream?

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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