Sunlit Tomato Pasta with Lemon Zest and Basil
A vibrant dish inspired by the warmth of sunlight, featuring ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chopped sun-dried tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, medium, zested and juiced lemon 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
- 1/2 cup, chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 1 medium, zested and juiced lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
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, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped basil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp lemon zest. Pour in 1/2 cup pasta water and 1/4 cup grated parmesan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Toss with cooked pasta and serve with additional parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sunlit Tomato Pasta with Lemon Zest and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Sunlit Tomato Pasta with Lemon Zest and Basil?
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 chopped sun-dried tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sunlit Tomato Pasta with Lemon Zest and Basil?
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 Sunlit Tomato Pasta with Lemon Zest and Basil 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 Sunlit Tomato Pasta with Lemon Zest and Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
