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Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta

Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta
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Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta is a quick, comforting dish combining silky butter, fragrant garlic, and juicy fresh tomatoes tossed with perfectly cooked long pasta. This recipe offers rich, indulgent flavors with simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners. Easily customizable, it suits various dietary needs and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti, linguine, or long pasta of choice
  • 4 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Variations

  • Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon for protein boost
  • Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added vegetables
  • Olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for dairy-free/vegan version
  • Red pepper flakes or chili oil for spicy kick
  • Gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté carefully until fragrant and just turning golden, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Cook the Tomatoes: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften and release their juices, creating a sauce with the butter and garlic.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Season: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in fresh basil or parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook garlic; it should be golden and fragrant but not burnt.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce to the pasta and create a silky texture.
  • If cherry tomatoes are unavailable, diced plum tomatoes make a good substitute.
  • Add fresh herbs off the heat to maintain their fresh aroma and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Comfort Food, Italian Pasta, Weeknight Meal, Vegetarian Option

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