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Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta

Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta

Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining rich garlic and butter with fresh, juicy tomatoes. This quick and easy recipe delivers a luscious sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy meals. Versatile and customizable, it can be adapted with proteins, veggies, or made gluten-free to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 2 cups ripe plum or cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and golden but not browned, ensuring a sweet and mellow flavor.
  3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add the chopped fresh tomatoes to the skillet and allow them to simmer. Stir occasionally as the tomatoes release their juices, forming a light sauce that combines with the garlicky butter.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the tomato and butter mixture. Stir to coat the pasta strands evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
  5. Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh herbs and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is combined and luscious.

Notes

  • Use the freshest tomatoes and herbs for maximum flavor impact.
  • Cook garlic gently over medium-low heat to prevent bitterness from burning.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce naturally and help it cling better to the noodles.
  • Use high-quality unsalted butter for the creamiest and richest flavor.
  • Do not overcook tomatoes; keep them slightly firm or partially broken down for the best texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick pasta dish, comfort food, Italian pasta, gluten free pasta, buttery tomato pasta