Half-and-Half Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring half fresh cherry tomatoes and half sun-dried tomatoes, tossed in a fragrant garlic butter basil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends spaghetti pasta, butter, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, melt 4 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss vigorously, adding reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately garnished with extra basil or Parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-and-Half Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Half-and-Half Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Tomato Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce?
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 Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce 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 Basil Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce 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.
