Description
This Tomato Butter Pasta recipe offers a rich, velvety flavor by combining burst cherry tomatoes with buttery goodness and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a quick and comforting dinner, it balances freshness from tomatoes and basil with the indulgence of butter and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use in the sauce later.
- Heat the Butter and Oil: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it to maintain a delicate garlic aroma.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes along with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juicy flavors into the skillet.
- Form the Sauce: Using a spoon, gently crush some of the tomatoes in the skillet to create a chunky, velvety tomato sauce texture.
- Finish Sauce and Combine: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter for added richness. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the tomato butter sauce. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- You can substitute the spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the butter and Parmesan cheese and use olive oil only.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to loosen the sauce and help it cling better to the pasta.
- Fresh basil enhances the freshness but can be substituted with other herbs like parsley or oregano if desired.
