Truffle Parmesan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A luxurious pasta dish where sun-ripened tomatoes and truffle oil transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes layers (225g) dried spaghetti, olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. 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 (225g) dried spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp truffle oil
- 2 tbsp, torn fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, 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 cherry tomatoes, and cook for 3-4 minutes until they burst and release juices.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic to skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid browning.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to skillet, tossing to coat, then add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to noodles.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 1/4 tsp truffle oil until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat the pasta, adding more pasta water if too dry.
- Step 6: Season with 1/4 tsp salt, toss in torn basil, and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Truffle Parmesan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Truffle Parmesan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Truffle Parmesan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Truffle Parmesan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Truffle Parmesan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.