A simple yet delicious Cherry Tomato Butter Pasta dish made with sweet cherry tomatoes, butter, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for extra richness, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Tomato Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh basil on top.
- Drizzle with olive oil for extra richness, if desired.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Tips for the Best Cherry Tomato Butter Pasta
- Use Fresh Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes work best, but grape tomatoes are a good substitute.
- Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: Keeping some texture enhances the dish.
- Enhance with Proteins: Add grilled shrimp, chicken, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Enjoy your delicious and yummy Cherry Tomato Butter Pasta!