If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this Tomato Butter Pasta: Creamy, Garlicky Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender spaghetti enveloped in a luscious, velvety sauce made from sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and butter that’s rich enough to satisfy any comfort-food craving. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but comes together simply with everyday ingredients. Once you try this recipe, it’s going to win a permanent spot in your pasta rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays its part, whether it’s lending richness, freshness, texture, or that perfect pop of flavor.
- Spaghetti (12 oz or 340g): The classic pasta shape that perfectly carries this creamy, garlicky sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a fruity base, helping to sauté the garlic and tomatoes evenly.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Brings that signature creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Delivers a punch of aroma and depth that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): They burst with natural sweetness and create a glossy, tangy sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to highlight all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Offers a gentle heat that elevates the overall taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish when sprinkled on top.
- Fresh basil leaves: For a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes as a garnish.
How to Make Tomato Butter Pasta: Creamy, Garlicky Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is crucial because the salted water seasons the pasta inside and out. Cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente — tender but with a little bite left. Before you drain it, save about half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for creating a silky sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil along with two tablespoons of butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. This combo of fat ensures the sauce is rich but not too heavy. Once melted and shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it just about a minute until fragrant; be careful not to let it brown, as that can make the garlic taste bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Cherry Tomatoes
Next, add your halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with a pinch of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Stir occasionally and let the tomatoes cook down for 10 to 12 minutes. They’ll soften beautifully and start releasing their juices, transforming into a naturally sweet, chunky sauce.
Step 4: Build the Creaminess
Once the tomatoes have softened, gently crush some of them right in the pan with your spoon, creating that luscious sauce while still leaving nice bits of tomato texture. Stir in the last tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce with a velvety finish. This part is where your sauce truly comes together, creamy yet bursting with bursts of fresh tomato.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to get the spaghetti fully coated. If the sauce feels a bit thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach that perfect saucy consistency that hugs each strand just right.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once your pasta is glossy and coated, serve it up immediately. Top each portion with freshly grated Parmesan and bright fresh basil leaves to add layers of flavor and a nice splash of green.
How to Serve Tomato Butter Pasta: Creamy, Garlicky Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves not only brighten the dish with their color but also bring a fragrant herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the rich butter and sweet tomatoes. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese rounds out the flavor profile with its salty, umami depth. For those who love an extra hit of freshness, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil at the end is a delicious touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette, as its acidity complements the creamy pasta. Crunchy garlic bread or a warm focaccia loaf is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken breast can add a nice balance of textures and proteins.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, garnish your Tomato Butter Pasta: Creamy, Garlicky Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Recipe with edible flowers or microgreens for stunning visual appeal. Serve it in rustic wooden bowls or white ceramic plates to really let the vibrant reds and greens pop. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a few curls of fresh Parmesan can elevate the dish’s texture and flavor profile even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce might thicken as it chills, so don’t worry—it will loosen back up when reheated.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce (without the pasta) in a sealed container for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, adding reserved pasta water to adjust the texture before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water or broth to help rehydrate the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through and silky again. Avoid using the microwave if possible, as it can unevenly heat and toughen the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional and works beautifully here, feel free to experiment with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust cooking times based on your pasta choice.
What if I don’t have fresh cherry tomatoes?
If fresh cherry tomatoes aren’t available, grape tomatoes work well as a substitute. Canned cherry tomatoes can also be used in a pinch, though fresh tomatoes give the best bright and vibrant flavor.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes! This Tomato Butter Pasta: Creamy, Garlicky Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Recipe is naturally vegetarian, especially if you omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use olive oil instead. Skip the Parmesan or swap it for a vegan cheese to keep those creamy, comforting vibes but vegan-friendly.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
If you want an even richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese when you add the butter. Just remember this will change the texture slightly but adds a delicious indulgence.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create the Tomato Butter Pasta: Creamy, Garlicky Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Recipe. It’s a dish that’s rich enough to feel special but wonderfully straightforward to prepare. I promise, this will become one of your go-to recipes whenever you crave comfort with a gourmet touch. Give it a try, and soon you’ll be sharing it with friends and family just like I’m sharing it with you now.
Print
Tomato Butter Pasta: Creamy, Garlicky Cherry Tomato Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and velvety Tomato Butter Pasta recipe combines tender spaghetti with a luscious tomato and butter sauce, enhanced by garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. Quick to prepare and packed with fresh flavors, it’s the perfect comforting meal for any night.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Heat Oil and Butter: While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the sauce base.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil and butter with flavor.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices to create a natural sauce.
- Crush Tomatoes: Use a spoon to gently crush some of the tomatoes in the skillet to develop a chunky texture and richer sauce consistency.
- Add Remaining Butter and Pasta: Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter into the tomato mixture. Then add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly. Add some of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency — it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes if unavailable.
- For a vegan version, omit the butter and Parmesan cheese or replace with vegan alternatives.
- Red pepper flakes add a mild heat but can be omitted to keep the dish mild.
- Fresh basil is recommended for best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
