Tomato Butter Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tomato Butter Pasta is quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Here’s why it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen:

• It uses minimal, everyday ingredients.

• The dish comes together in about 30 minutes.

• It’s kid-friendly and adult-approved.

• Perfectly creamy without needing cream.

• Easily customizable with proteins or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz spaghetti or preferred pasta

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup fresh basil, chopped

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

• Zest of 1 lemon

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add tomatoes and cook 5–7 minutes, until soft.

4. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.

6. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.

7. Stir in basil, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Toss well and heat through.

8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a protein boost.

• Include veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

• Stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche for extra richness.

• Swap butter with vegan butter and use nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

• Use gluten-free pasta as needed.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat on the stove with a splash of pasta water or olive oil.

• Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, quality canned tomatoes like diced or whole can be used for convenience.

2. Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce in advance and cook pasta fresh before serving.

3. How do I make it creamy without dairy?

Blend cooked cauliflower into the tomato mixture for a creamy texture.

4. What if my sauce is too thick?

Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin it to your liking.

5. Can I add different cheeses?

Yes, mozzarella or ricotta can be added for more cheesy flavor.

6. What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti is great, but any pasta like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni works well.

7. Is this recipe spicy?

Only mildly, if you include red pepper flakes. Adjust or omit to taste.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Just scale ingredients proportionally.

9. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Yes, use 1–2 teaspoons dried basil if fresh isn’t available.

Conclusion

Tomato Butter Pasta is a simple, elegant dish that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Its creamy, tomato-rich sauce hugs the pasta perfectly, making it a go-to recipe for any day of the week. Versatile, quick, and irresistibly delicious—it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Tomato Butter Pasta

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Tomato Butter Pasta is a quick, creamy, and luxurious dish made with juicy cherry tomatoes, butter, garlic, and fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, this vibrant pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. No cream required—just real, flavorful ingredients!

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minute
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta

4 tbsp unsalted butter

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

¾ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

½ cup fresh basil, chopped

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

• Cook Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

  • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

• Sauté Tomatoes

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

  • Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

  • Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes burst and release their juices.

• Season

  • Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

• Combine with Pasta

  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.

  • Slowly add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

• Finish

  • Stir in fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon zest.

  • Toss everything together and heat through for another 1–2 minutes.

• Serve

  • Plate the pasta and top with additional Parmesan, fresh basil, or lemon zest as desired.

Notes

Add protein like shrimp, grilled chicken, or sausage to make it a heartier main dish.

For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese.

This dish is also delicious with a handful of baby spinach or sautéed zucchini added in with the tomatoes.