Description
Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish combining the richness of butter, the brightness of fresh tomatoes, and the aromatic punch of garlic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish offers a creamy, savory sauce with versatile options to customize according to your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 ½ cups cherry or Roma tomatoes, halved
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves finely and halve the cherry tomatoes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the halved tomatoes and cook until they soften and begin to release their juices, forming a slightly chunky sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter tomato sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve the desired sauce consistency while mixing well.
- Finishing Touches: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat, then sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Sauté garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.
- Serve immediately for optimum taste and texture.
- Variations: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon for protein; incorporate red pepper flakes for heat; switch butter for olive oil for a vegan option; add veggies like mushrooms or spinach; try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg