Tomato Butter Pasta

This tomato butter pasta is such a simple recipe, but it always hits the spot! With its rich, buttery flavor and fresh ingredients, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this tomato butter pasta will impress everyone at the table. Its ease of preparation and delightful taste make it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe tomatoes and fresh basil elevates the dish, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Dish: Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own as a light lunch.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level with chili flakes or add proteins like chicken or shrimp if desired.
• Comfort Food: The creamy, buttery sauce makes this pasta comforting and satisfying—ideal for any pasta lover!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make everything smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pan
• Box grater
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pan: A spacious pan allows you to simmer the sauce while cooking the pasta without overcrowding.
• Box grater: This tool simplifies the process of grating tomatoes, ensuring you get all the juice and pulp without any hassle.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 9oz / 250g Spaghetti (or other long cut pasta)
• 1lb / 500g Tomatoes (see notes)

For the Sauce

• 4 tbsp / 2oz / 60g Butter
• 1/3 cup / 1oz / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 cloves of Garlic (finely diced)
• handful of Fresh Basil (finely diced)
• pinch of Chilli Flakes (to taste)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

How to Make Tomato Butter Pasta

Step 1: Grate the Tomatoes

Use a box grater to grate each tomato into a bowl. Discard the skin when you reach it. This step creates a fresh tomato base for your sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Melt 3.5 tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat (save the remaining 1/2 tbsp butter for later). Add in garlic and chili flakes, frying them for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Pour in the grated tomatoes, generously season with salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Keep on a gentle simmer while occasionally stirring for about 15 minutes. You want to cook until the sauce begins to thicken and emulsify with the butter.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, place your spaghetti in heavily salted water. Cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta straight into the pan with your sauce. Toss to combine thoroughly. Add in basil followed by parmesan. If needed, add starchy pasta water from the pot to thin out your sauce. If you accidentally add too much water, simply continue simmering while tossing until it thickens again.

Step 6: Final Touches

Add in that last bit of butter (1/2 tbsp) and toss until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve up your delicious tomato butter pasta with any extra basil or parmesan on top!

Enjoy this delightful dish that combines simplicity with exquisite flavor!

How to Serve Tomato Butter Pasta

Serving tomato butter pasta is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few thoughtful touches. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Fresh Basil

• Garnish with basil: A handful of finely diced fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and color, making the dish visually appealing.

With Extra Parmesan

• Sprinkle Parmesan: Grating extra Parmesan on top just before serving brings richness and complements the sauce beautifully.

As a Main Course

• Serve as a main: This pasta dish is hearty enough to stand alone as a satisfying lunch or dinner option.

Paired with Garlic Bread

• Enjoy with garlic bread: A side of warm garlic bread complements the tomato butter sauce perfectly and makes for an indulgent meal.

Accompanied by Salad

• Add a fresh salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Drizzled with Olive Oil

• Finish with olive oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the flavors and adds depth to your tomato butter pasta.

How to Perfect Tomato Butter Pasta

To achieve the best results when preparing tomato butter pasta, consider these helpful tips.

• Use ripe tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes yield the best flavor and texture for your sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook until al dente so it maintains its structure and absorbs sauce well.
• Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go; this ensures you find the perfect balance of salt and pepper.
• Reserve pasta water: Keep some starchy water from cooking the pasta to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Emulsify well: Tossing the pasta in the sauce allows it to coat evenly, creating a more cohesive dish.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato Butter Pasta

Pairing side dishes with tomato butter pasta can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing provides a crunchy contrast.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze complement the flavors of the pasta.
3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh appetizer that pairs nicely.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add texture and nutrition, balancing out the richness of the pasta.
5. Garlic Knots: Soft garlic knots brushed with butter make for an irresistible side that everyone will love.
6. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates an inviting starter spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making tomato butter pasta is easy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong pasta: Always choose long cut pasta like spaghetti for this dish. Short pasta can change the sauce’s texture and flavor.
• Under-seasoning the sauce: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Seasoning enhances the tomato flavor, making your dish more vibrant.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and basil make a significant difference. Canned products won’t deliver the same taste and freshness.
• Overcooking the pasta: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
• Skipping the butter at the end: The final touch of butter adds richness to your sauce. Don’t forget to toss it in right before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Tomato Butter Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months; allow it to cool completely before freezing.

Reheating Tomato Butter Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a pan, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making tomato butter pasta.

What is Tomato Butter Pasta?

Tomato butter pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish made with fresh tomatoes, butter, garlic, and herbs. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners!

Can I use canned tomatoes for Tomato Butter Pasta?

While fresh tomatoes are recommended for the best flavor, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just adjust seasoning as needed.

How can I customize my Tomato Butter Pasta?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or proteins like chicken or shrimp to make it more substantial.

What pairs well with Tomato Butter Pasta?

This dish goes well with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A light white wine also complements its flavors beautifully.

How do I store leftover Tomato Butter Pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Tomato butter pasta is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on what you have at home. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!