Sometimes the most satisfying meals come from the simplest ingredients. That’s exactly the beauty of Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta: A Quick Recipe. This dish combines fresh tomatoes and rich butter for a flavorful sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends, this pasta is sure to impress with its depth of flavor and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Fresh Ingredients: With ripe tomatoes and fresh basil, each bite bursts with flavor.
- Versatile: Customize it! Add your favorite vegetables or proteins for added nutrition.
- Minimal Cleanup: One skillet is all you need, meaning less time washing dishes.
- Comfort Food: The creamy tomato sauce brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Grater
- Measuring spoons
- Pasta fork or tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly and allowing it to cook without sticking.
- Skillet: Perfect for creating the rich tomato butter sauce that gives this dish its signature flavor.
- Grater: Helps you quickly transform fresh tomatoes into a sauce-ready pulp.
Ingredients
Sometimes the most satisfying meals come from the simplest ingredients. That’s exactly the beauty of Tomato Butter Pasta.
For the Sauce
- 3–4 ripe plum tomatoes (or ~1 lb), grated
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Pasta
- 6 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tomato Butter Pasta
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 420 calories, Carbs: 55g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 18g, Fiber: 3g
How to Make Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, grate the tomatoes into a bowl until you have about 1 to 1¼ cups of pulp.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and chili flakes; sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Pour in the grated tomatoes into the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper; simmer for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together; add reserved pasta water as needed to help sauce cling to noodles.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes until glossy.
Step 5: Serve
- Turn off the heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra chili flakes if desired.
How to Serve Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe
Serving Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta is all about enhancing its rich flavors while keeping it simple. Here are some great suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chili Flakes: Add extra chili flakes for those who like it spicy.
Pair with a Side Salad
- Greek Salad: A light Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and feta complements the pasta beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing of a Caesar salad contrasts nicely with the tomato butter sauce.
Add Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast can add protein and make the meal more filling.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp tossed in the pasta can bring a seafood twist to this dish.
Serve with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the leftover sauce.
- Focaccia: Soft focaccia can be used to mop up every bit of the delicious sauce.
How to Perfect Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe
To ensure your Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes yield better flavor than canned options.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta; it should have a slight bite for better texture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water helps the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking for a balanced flavor profile.
- Finish with Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan on top just before serving for added creaminess.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to try different spices like oregano or thyme for variation.
Best Side Dishes for Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here are some excellent options.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, perfect for sopping up extra sauce.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender complement the dish beautifully.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, and olives adds variety to your table.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes a delightful starter.
- Spinach Salad: Lightly dressed spinach salad balances the richness of the pasta well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Using unripe tomatoes – Unripe tomatoes can lead to a bland sauce. Always choose ripe, juicy plum tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta – Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente for better texture.
- Skipping the reserved pasta water – This water helps the sauce cling to the noodles. Always reserve some before draining your pasta.
- Not seasoning properly – Under-seasoning can dull the dish. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Leaving out fresh herbs – Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it elevates your pasta dish significantly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through.
- Microwave – Use a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop – In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or oil and stir until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe:
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
You can use spaghetti or any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Choose what you prefer!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
How can I spice up my Tomato Butter Pasta?
Add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead?
While fresh tomatoes are ideal, canned tomatoes work in a pinch. Just drain excess liquid before using.
How do I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp, or mix in seasonal vegetables based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Its simplicity allows room for creativity; feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Give it a try—you might discover your new favorite meal!
Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta: A Quick Recipe
Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta is a heartwarming dish that showcases the magic of simple ingredients. This quick and easy recipe combines ripe tomatoes, creamy butter, and fragrant garlic to create a luscious sauce that perfectly clings to spaghetti. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this comforting meal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. With its rich flavor profile and minimal cleanup, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe plum tomatoes (or ~1 lb), grated
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, grate the tomatoes into a bowl until you have about 1 to 1¼ cups of pulp. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and chili flakes; sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the grated tomatoes into the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 7–10 minutes until thickened.
- Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed.
- Turn off the heat, stir in fresh basil, and serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (~250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
