Spring Herb Pasta
Al dente linguine swirled with a light basil-parsley pesto, sautéed cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of aged balsamic, finished with Parmesan shavings for depth. This italian-inspired salads (dairy-free-option, vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs linguine, basil, parsley 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 480 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 linguine
- 1/2 cup basil
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup Parmesan
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz linguine and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup basil, 1/4 cup parsley, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/3 cup olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until a coarse pesto forms, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water if needed.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut side down, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
- Step 4: Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto in the pot, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to create a sauce. Stir in the sautéed tomatoes and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
- Step 5: Serve in warm bowls, garnished with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and extra basil leaves.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spring Herb Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Spring Herb Pasta?
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 linguine from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Herb Pasta?
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 Spring Herb Pasta 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 Spring Herb Pasta dairy-free-option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free-option, vegetarian, low-carb-option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
