Sun-Ripened Tomato & Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, creamy pasta dish featuring roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and a bright lemon finish that skips heavy cream for a lighter yet luxurious texture. This italian-american-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, ripe cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 3.7 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian-American cuisine 480 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; drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, toss 2 cups cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil on a baking sheet, roast at 425°F for 15 minutes until blistered and juicy.
  3. Step 3: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in roasted tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 2 tbsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, and 1/2 tsp salt; simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until the sauce clings to the pasta.
  6. Step 6: Off heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp black pepper until melted and creamy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sun-Ripened Tomato & Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Sun-Ripened Tomato & Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 Sun-Ripened Tomato & Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 Sun-Ripened Tomato & Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 Sun-Ripened Tomato & Basil Pasta with Lemon Zest?

Italian-American 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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