When you’re in the mood for a comforting meal that doesn’t take much time to prepare, you can’t go wrong with a bowl of Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta. This quick and silky dish combines the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and creamy butter, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dining table. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta
There are many reasons this Tomato Butter Pasta stands out. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe gives you confidence with its straightforward steps and minimal ingredients. The combination of ripe, juicy tomatoes with buttery richness transforms your ordinary pasta into something special. Also, the dish is versatile and adaptable. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend dinner.
Ingredients about Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta
To create this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 3–4 ripe plum tomatoes (or approximately 1 pound), grated
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Make sure your tomatoes are ripe for that perfect burst of flavor, and gather your favorite spaghetti or long pasta to complement the silky sauce beautifully.
How to Make Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta Directions
Getting started on this Tomato Butter Pasta is simple and straightforward:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is crucial for ensuring your pasta is flavorful. Once boiling, add your pasta to the water, following the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes.
- As the pasta cooks, take the time to prepare your sauce. Grate the ripe tomatoes into a bowl. You should aim for about 1 to 1¼ cups of tomato pulp. This fresh tomato base will give your sauce a vibrant flavor.
- While your pasta is nearing completion, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt gently, being careful not to let it brown.
- After the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes to the skillet. Sauté these ingredients together for about 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to overcook the garlic; you want it soft and aromatic, not burnt.
- At this point, add the grated tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle in some salt and black pepper, adjusting according to your taste preferences. Let the mixture simmer for approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the sauce will thicken slightly, and the raw tomato taste will mellow, resulting in a rich, flavorful base.
- Once your pasta is done cooking, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining it. Then, add the drained pasta directly to the skillet containing your tomato sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring that the sauce clings to the noodles. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to help combine everything perfectly.
- Continue cooking the pasta in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes. This final step allows the flavors to meld together nicely, coating every strand of pasta with that silky sauce.
- After achieving a glossy finish, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil. This fragrant herb enhances the dish’s freshness and adds a pop of color.
- Serve your Tomato Butter Pasta hot, topped with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle extra chili flakes on top for added flavor excitement.
How to Serve Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta
Serving Tomato Butter Pasta is all about highlighting its beautiful simplicity. You’ll want to dish it out while it’s piping hot; that’s when the flavors are most pronounced. Begin by spooning a generous portion onto each plate. The vibrant color of the sauce will catch the eye immediately, making it appealing.
Top each serving with a fresh shower of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm pasta. The creamy cheese beautifully complements the buttery tomatoes and adds an extra layer of richness. For a finishing touch, consider placing a sprig of fresh basil on top, enhancing both the presentation and flavor.
As you serve, encourage everyone to grab a fork and dig in right away. This dish is best enjoyed hot, allowing the silky sauce to embrace every bite, offering the perfect balance of flavors. Pair it with a simple side salad to complete your meal or enjoy it as is for an indulgent treat.
Expert Tips: Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta
To elevate your Tomato Butter Pasta further, consider these expert tips:
- Choose Quality Tomatoes: The foundation of this sauce is the tomatoes. Opt for the ripest, freshest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor. During off-seasons, you may use canned tomatoes, but fresh yields the best results.
- Use Unsalted Butter: Starting with unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your dish. You can always add salt later if needed.
- Play with Garlic: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to increase the amount. Roasting the garlic beforehand can lend a sweeter, caramelized flavor to the dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip the step of reserving pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps the sauce adhere better to the noodles, achieving a creamy consistency.
- Experiment with Herbs: While fresh basil adds a wonderful touch, you could also experiment with oregano or thyme, depending on your taste preferences.
- Make it a Meal: Want to add more protein? Consider tossing in grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to turn this pasta into a heartier dish.
How to Store Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be a challenge, as it’s so delicious!), storing Tomato Butter Pasta is straightforward:
- Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it to prevent excess moisture build-up, which can lead to sogginess.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftover pasta to airtight containers. This helps keep the dish fresh and prevents odors from other foods in your refrigerator from mingling.
- Refrigerate: Your Tomato Butter Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little more butter to revive the creamy texture.
Variation of Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta
One of the best aspects of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to fit your personal taste. Here are some variations to consider for this Tomato Butter Pasta:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté them before adding the garlic to soften them while enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Protein Options: If you’re looking to make this dish more filling, consider adding proteins such as grilled chicken, fish, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Use Different Pasta Shapes: While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to explore with different types of long pasta such as fettuccine or linguine. They all hold the sauce well.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Make your dish milder or hotter by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes according to your heat tolerance.
- Cheese Choices: Besides Parmesan, consider trying goat cheese or feta for a different flavor profile. Just sprinkle some on just before serving for a creamy burst.
- Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can add a refreshing citrus twist, brightening the flavors even further.
FAQ
What makes this Tomato Butter Pasta so special?
This Tomato Butter Pasta is special due to its rich, creamy sauce made from fresh tomatoes and butter. The combination creates a silky texture that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, if fresh tomatoes are not available, canned tomatoes can be used. However, fresh tomatoes provide a brighter flavor that enhances the dish.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Ensure that you use Parmesan cheese without animal rennet for a completely vegetarian dish.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
While spaghetti is preferred, any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works well. Choose your favorite shape for a delightful experience.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta.
Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 3-4 pieces ripe plum tomatoes, grated About 1 pound, for best flavor use ripe tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Use unsalted to control the saltiness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Feel free to adjust amount for garlic flavor
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes Adjust to taste
- 6 oz spaghetti or other long pasta Any long pasta will work well
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil For garnish and flavor enhancement
- to taste salt and black pepper For seasoning
- to serve Freshly grated Parmesan cheese For serving, optional extra Parmesan for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Grate the ripe tomatoes into a bowl to prepare the sauce, aiming for about 1 to 1¼ cups of tomato pulp.
Cooking the Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the grated tomatoes to the skillet, season with salt and black pepper to taste, and let it simmer for approximately 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to achieve a desired sauce consistency.
- Cook in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to meld flavors together.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
Serving
- Serve the Tomato Butter Pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, sprinkle more chili flakes on top.
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