If you're on the hunt for a quick, mouthwatering meal that captures the essence of Italian cuisine, look no further than this delightful Pasta with Buttered Tomato Sauce! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a cooking time of only 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes meld beautifully with creamy butter and aromatic garlic, creating a sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Ready to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests? Dive into this recipe and discover how simple it is to whip up a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 400g of pasta, 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 4 tablespoons of butter, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 400g of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, rinse the 2 cups of cherry tomatoes under cold water and then halve them. Set aside.
- Peel and finely chop the 2 cloves of garlic. In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted and is bubbling, add the chopped garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the buttered tomato sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
- Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce.
- Remove the skillet from heat and taste the pasta, adjusting seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Buttered Tomato Sauce!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta will work, consider using spaghetti or linguine for the best texture with the sauce.
- Salt Your Water: Don’t skip salting the boiling water! It enhances the pasta’s flavor and is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente, which means "to the tooth." This gives the pasta a nice bite and helps it hold up better in the sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and basil for a burst of flavor. The freshness will elevate the dish significantly.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick after adding the pasta, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the fresh basil! It adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color that makes your dish even more appetizing.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: For a twist, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat or some grated Parmesan cheese for a richer flavor.Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every bite of this delicious Pasta with Buttered Tomato Sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 487kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
