Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A vibrant dish of al dente pasta tossed in a zesty lemon butter sauce, brightened with fresh herbs and juicy cherry tomatoes. The tangy-sweet contrast makes this a showstopper for any weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Step 3: Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut into halves, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Herb-Infused Lemon Butter 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Lemon Butter 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 Herb-Infused Lemon Butter 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.
Is Herb-Infused Lemon Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
