Lemon-Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pine Nuts

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and lemon zest in a creamy sauce, finished with toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes soften.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped basil, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tbsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until herbs are vibrant and aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream, and stir until sauce thickens slightly (about 2 minutes). Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, coating every strand evenly. If sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pine Nuts 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 Lemon-Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pine Nuts?

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 Lemon-Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pine Nuts?

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 Lemon-Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pine Nuts 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 Lemon-Herb Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Pine Nuts?

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.

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