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Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta

Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta
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Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dish that perfectly balances rich garlic-infused butter with bright, juicy cherry tomatoes and tender pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight meal that’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Versatile and easily adaptable, this recipe brings vibrant taste with minimal fuss and suits a variety of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta

Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce

  • 3–4 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • Fresh basil leaves, torn (a handful)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to help adjust the sauce consistency later.
  2. Sauté the garlic: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften and release their juices, creating a natural sauce enriched by the butter and garlic.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss everything together so each strand is coated beautifully.
  5. Finish with herbs and cheese: Stir in torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to add freshness and umami. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t rush garlic: Cook garlic on medium-low heat to avoid bitterness and to bring out its sweetness.
  • Reserve pasta water: That starchy water is magic for adjusting sauce texture and helps everything cling to the noodles.
  • Use ripe tomatoes: The juicier and fresher the tomatoes, the brighter and more flavorful your sauce will be.
  • Butter vs. oil balance: Combining butter and olive oil prevents burning and gives your sauce a silky, rich mouthfeel.
  • Fresh herbs matter: Add basil or parsley at the last moment to preserve their flavor and vibrant color.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter tomato pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, garlic pasta, tomato pasta, vegetarian pasta, comfort food, simple pasta recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/garlic-butter-tomato-pasta/