If you are craving a simple yet indulgently delicious pasta dish, the Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe perfectly balances the natural sweetness of tomatoes with the rich creaminess of butter, creating a sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. It’s quick to prepare, requires just a handful of pantry staples, and delivers a comforting, restaurant-quality meal that feels homemade with love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is deceptively straightforward, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in developing flavor and achieving the ideal texture for your sauce. From the silky butter to the bright canned tomatoes, every element enhances the dish wonderfully.
- Spaghetti or pasta of choice: Use 10.5 oz (300 g) of your preferred pasta, ensuring it’s cooked al dente for perfect bite and texture.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons plus extra): Butter adds luscious richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil helps to gently cook garlic and builds the flavor base.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the dish with warmth and aroma.
- Canned whole plum tomatoes (14 oz / 400 g): These provide the tangy, slightly sweet tomato foundation for the sauce.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors in the dish and balances acidity.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the sauce.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Helps mellow the tartness of tomatoes if needed.
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): For a burst of herbal freshness and color when garnishing.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds savory complexity and a creamy finish on top.
How to Make Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until just al dente, meaning tender but still slightly firm to the bite. This timing is essential so it doesn’t get mushy once it’s tossed with the sauce later. Before draining, save about half a cup of the starchy pasta water — it’s magic for loosening the sauce without losing any flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a wide skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil. When the mixture is warm and fragrant, toss in the minced garlic. Cook gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma but hasn’t browned, ensuring it tastes rich without any bitterness.
Step 3: Simmer the Tomatoes
Add the canned whole plum tomatoes along with all their juices into the skillet. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently break the tomatoes apart. Let them simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring every so often. This slow simmer allows the sauce to thicken and ingredients to meld beautifully into a luscious, vibrant base.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Season your sauce thoughtfully with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go. If the tomatoes feel too acidic, stir in half a teaspoon of sugar to round out the flavors perfectly. Let the sauce continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add your drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure each noodle is lovingly coated. If the sauce is a bit thick, pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, giving the dish a silky finish.
Step 6: Add the Final Touch
To finish off, stir in an extra knob of butter for unmatched creaminess and gloss. This little addition elevates the sauce to pure comfort-food bliss. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra flavor punch.
How to Serve Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic topping that add a fragrant herbal note and gorgeous green contrast to the rich red sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese also brightens the dish with its salty, nutty flavor and adds a subtle creaminess that works wonders. For an optional kick, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving can bring a lovely sheen and boost the flavors further.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe shines beautifully alongside a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a warm loaf of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of the sauce. Roasted vegetables or simple garlic bread are fantastic companions that keep the meal balanced and satisfying without overwhelming the pasta’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or a special family meal, try plating this pasta in shallow bowls garnished with whole basil leaves and a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Alternatively, serve in mason jars for a casual picnic vibe or sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top to introduce an unexpected crunch that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta separate from any additional garnishes and store the sauce alongside the noodles to preserve freshness and texture when reheated.
Freezing
Avoid freezing the pasta if possible, as the texture may become mushy after thawing. However, you can freeze the tomato butter sauce on its own in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked pasta for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat your Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or extra butter as needed to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through to keep the pasta tender and the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for this Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! If you choose fresh tomatoes, peel and dice about 4 large ripe tomatoes and cook them down similarly until soft and saucy. Fresh tomatoes will add a brighter taste, but canned tomatoes work wonderfully for consistency and convenience.
What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is traditional and fantastic here, but you can use any pasta you love — linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just make sure to cook it al dente to hold up beautifully in the sauce.
Is there a way to make the sauce vegan?
Yes! Skip the butter and substitute it with more olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The tomato sauce will still be rich and flavorful without the dairy.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu make excellent additions if you want to turn this into a heartier meal.
How spicy is the Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild, focusing on buttery richness and tomato sweetness. You can always add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a recipe that combines ease, wholesomeness, and incredible flavor — and that’s exactly what the Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe delivers. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones. Warm, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, this pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with it just like I did!
Print
Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Butter Pasta recipe is a simple, comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring al dente pasta coated in a rich, garlicky tomato and butter sauce. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The sauce is simmered from canned plum tomatoes, enhanced with garlic, butter, and olive oil, and finished with freshly grated Parmesan and basil for a fresh, savory touch.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10.5 oz (300 g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for finishing)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz (400 g) canned whole plum tomatoes
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer tomatoes: Add the canned whole plum tomatoes along with their juices to the skillet. Use a spoon to break up the tomatoes into smaller pieces. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Season sauce: Season the tomato sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. If the tomatoes are too acidic, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Continue simmering until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve a smooth, silky texture.
- Finish with butter: Stir in an extra knob of butter at the end for richness and creaminess, coating the pasta nutritionally and flavor-wise.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly chopped basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water is crucial to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.
- Optional sugar helps balance the acidity of the canned tomatoes but can be omitted if your tomatoes are naturally sweet.
- Fresh basil and Parmesan add a classic finishing touch but are optional based on dietary preferences.
- Use unsalted butter to better control the salt levels in the dish.
