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- 8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped) - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for finishing - Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing You can swap spaghetti for any pasta you like. Penne or fusilli work well too. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, use grape tomatoes instead. They taste just as sweet. For butter, try olive oil for a lighter flavor. If you want a vegan dish, skip the cheese and butter. Use vegan butter or a plant-based oil instead. Fresh ingredients bring bright flavors. Fresh basil gives a vibrant taste that dried basil can’t match. Use fresh tomatoes when in season. They add a juicy burst. Dried ingredients, like herbs and spices, are handy for quick meals. They still add flavor, but fresh is best for special dinners. Always keep a balance between both types in your kitchen. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of your favorite pasta, like spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means firm but not hard. Before you drain the pasta, save 1 cup of that starchy water. This water helps to create a smooth sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. When the butter is melted, toss in 3 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter. Next, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir them often and let them cook for 5-7 minutes. They should soften and start to caramelize, bringing out their rich flavor. When the tomatoes are ready, season them with 1 teaspoon of dried basil. If you prefer fresh basil, wait until the end to add it. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Now, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss everything together. Gradually add some of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time. This starchy water helps to make the sauce silky. Make sure everything is well mixed. Now, plate your pasta and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your beautiful dish! To make the sauce creamy, use the starchy pasta water. Reserve one cup before draining the pasta. Add it slowly while mixing. This step helps the sauce cling to the pasta. It gives a silky feel that makes each bite better. Start with good quality butter. It adds richness. Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste. You can add red pepper flakes if you like heat. Fresh basil brings a bright note. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This lets you control the flavor balance. Serve your pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy. Top with extra Parmesan to catch the eye. Add a fresh basil leaf for color. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. This will make your dish shine and taste even better! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the ripest cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a more vibrant flavor that elevates the dish. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is key for achieving a creamy sauce without additional cream. Gradually add it to control the consistency. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if desired. Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, try using Pecorino Romano or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor twist! {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your tomato butter pasta. Grilled chicken or shrimp work great. They offer a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. For chicken, cook it in the pan before adding the garlic. For shrimp, add them right after the garlic. They should cook in about 3-4 minutes. This will make your dish more filling and delicious. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for more flavor. Sauté them with the garlic and tomatoes for a tasty mix. For a vegan option, use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of cheese. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying. You can change the flavor of your pasta with different herbs. Try fresh parsley, oregano, or thyme for a new taste. You can mix these in with the tomatoes while they cook. Cheese lovers can switch up the cheese too. Instead of Parmesan, try feta or goat cheese. Both add a unique twist to the dish. Mixing in a bit of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors. Store your leftover Tomato Butter Pasta in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing the container. This helps keep the pasta fresh and tasty. If you want to enjoy it later, take out the pasta and check for any extra sauce. This will help prevent it from drying out. You can freeze Tomato Butter Pasta, but there are a few tips. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags for easier storage. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. This dish stays good in the freezer for about one month. Just remember, the texture might change a little after freezing. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, cover the pasta with a damp paper towel. This keeps it moist while heating. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or extra butter. This will help revive the sauce and make it creamy again. Stir well and heat until warm. Enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Some great options are penne, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. Each shape holds sauce differently, so experiment to find your favorite. To add heat, include red pepper flakes. Start with a half teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Just remember to balance the spice with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Tomato Butter Pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing adds brightness. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp work great. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for extra flavor. This post covered key steps to make Tomato Butter Pasta. We explored the best ingredients and helpful substitutions. You learned how to cook pasta and combine it with sauce perfectly. Plus, I shared tips to enhance flavor and improve presentation. Lastly, don't forget the variations to suit your taste. You can turn this dish vegetarian or add proteins. With proper storage advice, your leftovers can taste great too. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Tomato Butter Pasta Delight

A delicious pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes and a buttery garlic sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for finishing freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnishing fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  • Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir occasionally and allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize.
  • Stir in the dried basil. Add the red pepper flakes if you desire heat, and season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Toss everything together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water.
  • Plate the pasta generously, topping each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls for an elegant look.
Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, quick meal, tomato