Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Sauce
A vibrant tomato pasta featuring sun-dried tomatoes and fresh cherry tomatoes, finished with a hint of basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, oil-packed and drained sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Toss for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta evenly and thickens slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Sauce?
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 Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Sauce 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 Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato and Cherry Tomato Sauce?
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
- ★★★★★
Loved how the flavors balanced—sun-dried tomatoes weren't too overpowering.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for busy weeknights. The cherry tomatoes added a lovely burst of freshness.
- ★★★★★
The sun-dried tomatoes gave such a rich depth to the sauce—my kids even asked for seconds!
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
