Description
Tomato Butter Pasta is a delightfully easy and indulgent dish combining fresh cherry tomatoes and creamy butter for a velvety sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 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)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta reaches an al dente texture, which typically takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta water, which will be useful later for the sauce.
- While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant and golden. This step helps release the garlic’s aromatic oils, forming an important flavor base for the sauce.
- Once the garlic is ready, introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt, black pepper, and, if desired, red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Let the tomatoes cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives them time to soften and gently burst, releasing their juices to create a chunky sauce. Use a spoon to gently crush some of these softened tomatoes to enhance the sauce’s texture.
- After your sauce has developed, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter for added creaminess. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and use tongs or a pasta fork to toss it with the sauce, ensuring every strand is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred consistency. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
Notes
For best results, choose ripe cherry tomatoes as they provide natural sweetness and rich flavor. Adjust the seasoning gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-salting the dish. If your sauce starts to dry out, use additional pasta water to maintain the desired sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 12 g