Half-Half Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A light Italian-inspired pasta dish combining half cream and half broth for a gently rich sauce, accented by fresh basil and burst cherry tomatoes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 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 pasta
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup vegetable broth and 1/2 cup heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss again until cheese melts into the sauce, coating the pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Half Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Half Lemon 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 Half-Half Lemon 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 Half-Half Lemon 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.
What goes well with Half-Half Lemon Basil Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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.
