Half-Shell Pasta with Lemon Butter
Creamy lemon-butter sauce tossed with half-shell pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a light yet indulgent dish. This italian-inspired salads ready in about 30 minutes pairs half-shell pasta, unsalted butter, grated lemon zest into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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 half-shell pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp grated lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup, torn fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add half-shell pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp butter. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 4: Add cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in basil and remaining 2 tbsp butter. Season with pepper and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Shell Pasta with Lemon Butter take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Shell Pasta with Lemon Butter?
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 half-shell pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Shell Pasta with Lemon Butter?
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-Shell Pasta with Lemon Butter 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-Shell Pasta with Lemon Butter?
Italian salads 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
