Half & Half Herb-Parmesan Pasta
A creamy, herb-infused pasta dish where half the sauce is rich Parmesan cream and half is bright tomato basil, creating a balanced flavor profile in every bite. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, heavy cream, finely chopped fresh basil 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until it darkens slightly, then add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Remove half of the sauce (approximately 1/4 cup) to a separate bowl, then return the remaining sauce to the skillet. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce, then add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to thin as needed.
- Step 5: Toss the drained spaghetti with the sauce mixture until evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy texture. Divide between plates and drizzle the reserved tomato-basil sauce over the top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half & Half Herb-Parmesan Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Half & Half Herb-Parmesan Pasta?
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 & Half Herb-Parmesan Pasta?
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 & Half Herb-Parmesan Pasta 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 Half & Half Herb-Parmesan Pasta?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
