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Southern Dishes

Tomato Butter Pasta Simple and Flavorful Recipe

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- 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of choice - 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped When making Tomato Butter Pasta, you need fresh ingredients. The tomatoes should be ripe for the best taste. Use good quality unsalted butter to create a rich sauce. Garlic adds a nice flavor, while red pepper flakes give it a little kick. Always taste as you go. This helps you adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. Don't forget the cheese! It makes a great topping. This combination of flavors makes every bite special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add 12 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. 3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. 4. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. 2. Once the butter starts to foam, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. 3. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great, but do not let it brown. 1. Stir in 4 chopped medium ripe tomatoes and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes. 2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and give off juice. 3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water. 4. Toss everything together. If the mix seems dry, add more pasta water as needed. 5. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. 6. Serve the pasta in bowls and add grated Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, garnish with more basil. To cook pasta just right, aim for al dente. This gives it a nice bite. Usually, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes, but check the package. After cooking, save about 1 cup of that pasta water. It’s like liquid gold for your sauce. Use it to make the sauce smoother and creamier. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon. You can always add more if you like it hot! Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Tear the leaves for more flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls. This looks nice and rustic. For a pop of color, add a sprig of fresh basil on top. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. This makes your dish look and taste amazing! Pro Tips Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your tomato butter pasta heavily depends on the tomatoes. Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find for the best results. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. This will ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce. Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it spicy! Save Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a crucial ingredient for achieving a silky sauce. It helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and can be adjusted for consistency. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the nutrition of your Tomato Butter Pasta. Adding spinach or zucchini works well. Spinach wilts nicely, giving your dish a vibrant green color. Just toss in a couple of handfuls when you add the pasta to the sauce. For zucchini, cut it into thin rounds. Sauté it with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes. Both options add great flavor and nutrients. Want a heartier meal? Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Cook the protein separately and slice it before serving. For chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked. For shrimp, just sauté them in a bit of oil until pink. Top your pasta with the protein, and enjoy a filling dish that keeps you satisfied. If you're looking for vegan options, you can swap the butter and cheese. Use vegan butter to keep the creamy texture. For cheese, try a plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast. These swaps let everyone enjoy Tomato Butter Pasta, while keeping it friendly for all diets. You can still savor the rich flavors without animal products. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pasta, defrost it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to hold in moisture. This way, your pasta stays nice and tasty. You can use any pasta shape you like. I recommend spaghetti for its classic appeal. Fettuccine or penne also work well, holding the sauce nicely. If you want something fun, try farfalle or shells. They add a playful twist to your meal. Remember, choose a pasta that can catch the sauce. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. Make the sauce and keep it in a separate container. When you're ready to eat, just heat the sauce and mix with pasta. If the pasta is dry, add a little reserved pasta water. This keeps it fresh and tasty. To add more heat, try fresh chili peppers. Slice them thin and cook with garlic. You can also use hot sauce for a different flavor. Another option is to add crushed black pepper for a warm kick. Experiment with spices like cayenne or sriracha for extra excitement. Adjust based on your taste! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Tomato Butter Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can boost flavor with spices and fresh herbs. There are also great variations to try, like adding veggies or protein. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers safely. I hope these ideas inspire you to create a tasty meal that suits your taste and style. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

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Are you ready to enjoy a deliciously simple meal? Tomato Butter Pasta is perfect for any night when you want tasty yet quick food. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a mouthwatering dish the whole family will love. This recipe blends rich butter, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant garlic for an irresistible flavor combination. Let’s dive into how to make this easy pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients that are easy to find and blend together beautifully, making it approachable for any home cook.
  2. Quick to Prepare: With a total time of just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
  3. Flavorful and Comforting: The combination of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and butter creates a rich, comforting sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
  4. Customizable: This recipe is versatile; you can easily add vegetables, proteins, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of choice

– 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Toppings

– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

When making Tomato Butter Pasta, you need fresh ingredients. The tomatoes should be ripe for the best taste. Use good quality unsalted butter to create a rich sauce. Garlic adds a nice flavor, while red pepper flakes give it a little kick. Always taste as you go. This helps you adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. Don’t forget the cheese! It makes a great topping. This combination of flavors makes every bite special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add 12 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta.

3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

4. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.

2. Once the butter starts to foam, add 3 cloves of minced garlic.

3. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great, but do not let it brown.

Combining Ingredients

1. Stir in 4 chopped medium ripe tomatoes and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes.

2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and give off juice.

3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water.

4. Toss everything together. If the mix seems dry, add more pasta water as needed.

5. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

6. Serve the pasta in bowls and add grated Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, garnish with more basil.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Pasta

To cook pasta just right, aim for al dente. This gives it a nice bite. Usually, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes, but check the package. After cooking, save about 1 cup of that pasta water. It’s like liquid gold for your sauce. Use it to make the sauce smoother and creamier.

Enhancing Flavor

To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon. You can always add more if you like it hot! Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Tear the leaves for more flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.

Presentation Tips

Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls. This looks nice and rustic. For a pop of color, add a sprig of fresh basil on top. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. This makes your dish look and taste amazing!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your tomato butter pasta heavily depends on the tomatoes. Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find for the best results.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. This will ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce.
  3. Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it spicy!
  4. Save Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a crucial ingredient for achieving a silky sauce. It helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and can be adjusted for consistency.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

You can easily boost the nutrition of your Tomato Butter Pasta. Adding spinach or zucchini works well. Spinach wilts nicely, giving your dish a vibrant green color. Just toss in a couple of handfuls when you add the pasta to the sauce. For zucchini, cut it into thin rounds. Sauté it with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes. Both options add great flavor and nutrients.

Protein Options

Want a heartier meal? Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Cook the protein separately and slice it before serving. For chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked. For shrimp, just sauté them in a bit of oil until pink. Top your pasta with the protein, and enjoy a filling dish that keeps you satisfied.

Vegan Alternatives

If you’re looking for vegan options, you can swap the butter and cheese. Use vegan butter to keep the creamy texture. For cheese, try a plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast. These swaps let everyone enjoy Tomato Butter Pasta, while keeping it friendly for all diets. You can still savor the rich flavors without animal products.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it.

Freezing Recommendations

If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pasta, defrost it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to hold in moisture. This way, your pasta stays nice and tasty.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for Tomato Butter Pasta?

You can use any pasta shape you like. I recommend spaghetti for its classic appeal. Fettuccine or penne also work well, holding the sauce nicely. If you want something fun, try farfalle or shells. They add a playful twist to your meal. Remember, choose a pasta that can catch the sauce.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. Make the sauce and keep it in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, just heat the sauce and mix with pasta. If the pasta is dry, add a little reserved pasta water. This keeps it fresh and tasty.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, try fresh chili peppers. Slice them thin and cook with garlic. You can also use hot sauce for a different flavor. Another option is to add crushed black pepper for a warm kick. Experiment with spices like cayenne or sriracha for extra excitement. Adjust based on your taste!

In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Tomato Butter Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can boost flavor with spices and fresh herbs. There are also great variations to try, like adding veggies or protein. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers safely. I hope these ideas inspire you to create a tasty meal that suits your taste and style. Enjoy your cooking adventure

- 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of choice - 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped When making Tomato Butter Pasta, you need fresh ingredients. The tomatoes should be ripe for the best taste. Use good quality unsalted butter to create a rich sauce. Garlic adds a nice flavor, while red pepper flakes give it a little kick. Always taste as you go. This helps you adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. Don't forget the cheese! It makes a great topping. This combination of flavors makes every bite special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add 12 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. 3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. 4. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. 2. Once the butter starts to foam, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. 3. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great, but do not let it brown. 1. Stir in 4 chopped medium ripe tomatoes and 1 tsp of red pepper flakes. 2. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and give off juice. 3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in a splash of reserved pasta water. 4. Toss everything together. If the mix seems dry, add more pasta water as needed. 5. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well. 6. Serve the pasta in bowls and add grated Parmesan cheese on top. Optionally, garnish with more basil. To cook pasta just right, aim for al dente. This gives it a nice bite. Usually, it takes about 8 to 10 minutes, but check the package. After cooking, save about 1 cup of that pasta water. It’s like liquid gold for your sauce. Use it to make the sauce smoother and creamier. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. Start with 1 teaspoon. You can always add more if you like it hot! Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Tear the leaves for more flavor. Season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance. Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls. This looks nice and rustic. For a pop of color, add a sprig of fresh basil on top. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. This makes your dish look and taste amazing! Pro Tips Use Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your tomato butter pasta heavily depends on the tomatoes. Use the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find for the best results. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente. This will ensure it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce. Adjust Spiciness: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Start with a small amount and add more if you like it spicy! Save Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is a crucial ingredient for achieving a silky sauce. It helps to bind the sauce to the pasta and can be adjusted for consistency. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the nutrition of your Tomato Butter Pasta. Adding spinach or zucchini works well. Spinach wilts nicely, giving your dish a vibrant green color. Just toss in a couple of handfuls when you add the pasta to the sauce. For zucchini, cut it into thin rounds. Sauté it with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes. Both options add great flavor and nutrients. Want a heartier meal? Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Cook the protein separately and slice it before serving. For chicken, season it with salt and pepper, then grill until cooked. For shrimp, just sauté them in a bit of oil until pink. Top your pasta with the protein, and enjoy a filling dish that keeps you satisfied. If you're looking for vegan options, you can swap the butter and cheese. Use vegan butter to keep the creamy texture. For cheese, try a plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast. These swaps let everyone enjoy Tomato Butter Pasta, while keeping it friendly for all diets. You can still savor the rich flavors without animal products. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen pasta, defrost it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir gently until it’s warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but cover it to hold in moisture. This way, your pasta stays nice and tasty. You can use any pasta shape you like. I recommend spaghetti for its classic appeal. Fettuccine or penne also work well, holding the sauce nicely. If you want something fun, try farfalle or shells. They add a playful twist to your meal. Remember, choose a pasta that can catch the sauce. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. Make the sauce and keep it in a separate container. When you're ready to eat, just heat the sauce and mix with pasta. If the pasta is dry, add a little reserved pasta water. This keeps it fresh and tasty. To add more heat, try fresh chili peppers. Slice them thin and cook with garlic. You can also use hot sauce for a different flavor. Another option is to add crushed black pepper for a warm kick. Experiment with spices like cayenne or sriracha for extra excitement. Adjust based on your taste! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Tomato Butter Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. You can boost flavor with spices and fresh herbs. There are also great variations to try, like adding veggies or protein. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers safely. I hope these ideas inspire you to create a tasty meal that suits your taste and style. Enjoy your cooking adventures!

Tomato Butter Pasta

A simple and delicious pasta dish with a rich tomato and butter sauce, enhanced with garlic and fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or any pasta of choice
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam.
  • Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, creating a light sauce.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the mixture appears dry, add more pasta water as needed.
  • Stir in the fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
  • Plate the pasta in bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with additional basil if desired.

Notes

Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls for a rustic appeal. Add a sprig of fresh basil on top for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Keyword basil, butter, pasta, quick meal, tomato

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