Tomato Butter Pasta

$To make Tomato Butter Pasta, you need these simple items: - 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped) - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Adding a few garnishes can really elevate your dish. Here are some ideas: - Extra grated Parmesan cheese - A drizzle of olive oil - Crushed red pepper for extra heat - Lemon zest for brightness If you are missing an ingredient, don't worry! Here are some simple swaps: - Use fettuccine or penne if you don’t have spaghetti. - Swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes or diced tomatoes. - Replace unsalted butter with olive oil for a lighter option. - Use garlic powder if you don't have fresh garlic. - Try oregano instead of basil for a different flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of your favorite pasta, like spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When done, save 1 cup of pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great, not burn. Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes, about 2 cups. Stir them in and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The tomatoes should soften and look a bit caramelized. Now it’s time to mix! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomatoes. Toss everything together well. If the sauce seems thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Start with a little and add more if needed. This water helps make the sauce silky. Lastly, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra touch. To boost the flavor of your Tomato Butter Pasta, use ripe cherry tomatoes. They pack a sweet punch. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick without overpowering. A drizzle of olive oil at the end adds richness. You can also use fresh garlic for extra aroma and taste. Cooking your pasta al dente is key. It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps your sauce cling to the pasta. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved water. This will make your dish creamy and smooth. Toss the pasta right into the sauce for even flavor. Serve your Tomato Butter Pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy and allows for easy sharing. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add a fresh basil leaf on top for color. You can also drizzle a little olive oil for shine. A wedge of lemon on the side brightens the dish and adds zest. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your pasta dish significantly, giving it a sweet and tangy profile. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is key to achieving a silky sauce. Add it gradually to control the consistency of the sauce. Experiment with Herbs: While basil is traditional, try adding a pinch of oregano or thyme for a different flavor dimension to your sauce. Perfect Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting properties and flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks the same richness. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your tomato butter pasta. Chicken or shrimp work well. For chicken, cook diced pieces until golden. Add them to the skillet after the garlic. For shrimp, add them when the tomatoes are almost done. Cook until they turn pink. This boosts flavor and makes the dish more filling. Adding vegetables can enhance the dish. Spinach is a great choice. Toss it in during the last minute of cooking. It wilts quickly and adds color. Zucchini is another option. Slice it thin and sauté with the garlic. Both veggies add nutrition and a fresh taste that balances the richness. If you need gluten-free options, choose a gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like rice or quinoa pasta. Cook them as you would regular pasta. The sauce works great with these options. You still enjoy the rich flavors without gluten. This way, everyone can savor this tasty dish. To keep your leftover Tomato Butter Pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will last for about three to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, put the pasta in a safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water to the pan. Heat it over low heat, stirring often. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. If you want to save your Tomato Butter Pasta for later, freezing works great. First, cool it down completely. Next, put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. The pasta will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Tomato Butter Pasta is a simple, tasty dish. It combines pasta, cherry tomatoes, and butter. This dish shines with fresh flavors. You cook cherry tomatoes until soft in butter. Then, mix in garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. The sauce is rich yet light. It coats the pasta perfectly, making each bite delightful. Tomato Butter Pasta stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors intact and prevents drying. When ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can make Tomato Butter Pasta ahead of time. Prepare the dish and store it in the fridge. It tastes great even after a day or two. Just remember to save some pasta water. You can add it while reheating to make the sauce creamy again. Tomato Butter Pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread - Grilled or roasted vegetables - A light protein, like grilled chicken or shrimp These sides balance the meal and add more flavor. We explored the key ingredients needed for Tomato Butter Pasta, from main components to optional garnishes. I shared simple, step-by-step instructions for cooking and combining flavors. Tips helped you enhance taste and texture, while variations showed how to customize your dish. Finally, I covered storage and common questions to assist you. Now, you have the tools to create this tasty meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A delightful pasta dish featuring cherry tomatoes and a buttery sauce, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
to taste Salt and black pepper
for serving Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for around 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and slightly caramelized.
Stir in the dried basil (or fresh if using) and red pepper flakes, and season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
Plate the pasta and top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve in shallow bowls with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for an inviting look.

Keyword butter, pasta, quick meal, tomato