Half-and-Half Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic
A bright and fresh pasta dish featuring half cherry tomatoes sautéed with garlic and fresh basil, tossed with spaghetti for a quick and flavorful meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup, optional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the spaghetti.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topping with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Half-and-Half Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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 Half-and-Half Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic?
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 Half-and-Half Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic 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 Half-and-Half Tomato and Basil Pasta with Garlic 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.
