Name: Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 9 oz / 250g Spaghetti, or other long cut pasta; 1 lb / 500g Tomatoes (grated); 4 tbsp / 2 oz / 60g Butter; 1/3 cup / 1 oz / 30g freshly grated Parmesan; 2 cloves of Garlic, finely diced; Handful of Fresh Basil, finely diced; Pinch of Chilli Flakes, to taste; Salt & Pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love at first bite, let me introduce you to Tomato Butter Pasta—a dreamy, silky pasta that’s as simple as it is luxurious. Just a handful of fresh ingredients come together in a sauce that’s bright from juicy tomatoes, gorgeously glossy from butter, and kissed with basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. With every twirl, you get richness and freshness in perfect harmony, making Tomato Butter Pasta the dish you’ll crave on cozy nights or for wowing company when you want something special but unfussy.

Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a short ingredient list can truly shine. Every component in Tomato Butter Pasta pulls its own weight, building a dish that tastes like pure magic. Let’s break down what you need and why you want to use the best of each.

Spaghetti (9oz / 250g): The classic long-cut pasta is perfect for catching every bit of the luscious sauce, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape!
Fresh Tomatoes (1lb / 500g): The star of the show! Go for vine-ripened or juicy plum tomatoes for the brightest flavor and color.
Butter (4 tbsp / 2oz / 60g): This transforms the sauce, giving it a silky texture and mellow richness that balances the tomatoes’ acidity.
Parmesan Cheese (1/3 cup / 1oz / 30g): Freshly grated is best—a nutty, salty finish that melts perfectly into the sauce.
Garlic (2 cloves, finely diced): Infuses the sauce with a subtle aromatic kick.
Fresh Basil (handful, finely diced): Adds a burst of color and an unmistakably fresh, summery aroma.
Chilli Flakes (pinch, to taste): Just enough to add a gentle warmth, but easy to adjust or skip if you prefer.
Salt & Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out every nuance in the tomatoes and butter.

How to Make Tomato Butter Pasta

Step 1: Grate the Tomatoes

Start by grabbing a box grater and a large bowl. Grate each tomato right down to the skin—you’ll be amazed how easily the flesh melts away while the skin stays behind (just discard it). This is the secret to a sauce with smooth body, flecked with bright, fresh flavor. There’s no need to peel, chop, or blend—the grater does all the work!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Set a large pan over medium heat and add in 3.5 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt into a golden puddle, then stir in the diced garlic and a pinch of chilli flakes. Let them sizzle for a minute or two, just until fragrant—no need to brown the garlic, or it’ll overpower the sauce. This step anchors the Tomato Butter Pasta with a gentle warmth and aroma that sets everything up for greatness.

Step 3: Simmer the Tomato Sauce

Pour the grated tomatoes into the pan. Season generously with salt and pepper, and stir everything together. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll notice the sauce thickening, the butter emulsifying into the tomatoes, and the kitchen starting to smell like an Italian summer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce works its magic, bring a big pot of salted water to a roaring boil. Drop in your spaghetti and cook just until al dente—check a minute or two before the box’s suggestion. Heavily salted water seasons the pasta from the inside out, making every mouthful sing.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta’s ready, use tongs to transfer it straight from the water into the tomato sauce—no need to drain fully! Toss well to coat, letting the pasta drink up the deep, buttery tomato flavor. Now stir in the basil and the Parmesan, tossing with enthusiasm so it all melts and clings. Add a splash of starchy pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce—if it becomes too thin, just let it simmer and thicken again while you toss everything together.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Add your last 1/2 tablespoon of butter and give the pan a final toss so it melts into the pasta for that ultimate, silken finish. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Now serve up your Tomato Butter Pasta immediately, ensuring each plate gets a smattering of extra basil and Parmesan on top.

How to Serve Tomato Butter Pasta

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a scatter of bright green basil leaves is all you need, but don’t be shy—add a twist of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil for extra flair if you fancy. These finishing touches highlight the fresh ingredients and make every bite of Tomato Butter Pasta even more special.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Tomato Butter Pasta is its elegance and simplicity, so choose sides that complement rather than compete. Think a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette, some warm, crusty bread for swiping up the sauce, or lightly charred vegetables like asparagus or broccolini. This keeps your meal balanced while letting the pasta shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party-worthy twist, twirl nests of pasta with tongs and nestle them on plates before finishing with basil and Parmesan. Or, serve family-style in a big, shallow bowl, inviting everyone to dig in together. If you’re feeling playful, try using heirloom tomatoes for a rainbow-hued Tomato Butter Pasta that’ll dazzle on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tomato Butter Pasta keeps beautifully! Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a gloriously savory lunch the next day—just remember that the pasta may soak up a bit more sauce as it sits.

Freezing

You can freeze Tomato Butter Pasta, but for best texture, consider freezing the sauce by itself (in a freezer-safe container or bag) and cooking fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve. If you freeze the finished pasta, expect it to be a little softer when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen things up, then warm on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. If using the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Either way, a little extra butter stirred in at the end will bring back that silky, glossy finish.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Choose quality whole peeled or crushed canned tomatoes. Grate or crush them as you would with fresh, and simmer a little longer if needed to thicken to the right consistency.

What other pasta shapes work well with Tomato Butter Pasta?

Any long-cut pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini, works beautifully. Even short shapes like penne or rigatoni can be used to catch the buttery tomato sauce—it’s all about your preference.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a good-quality plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The dish will still be creamy and packed with flavor, keeping the spirit of Tomato Butter Pasta alive and well.

How can I make the sauce spicier?

Just increase the amount of chilli flakes, or sauté a finely chopped hot pepper with the garlic at the start. You can always offer more chilli flakes at the table so everyone can adjust their own plate.

Is it possible to add protein?

For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted chickpeas. Just keep the flavors simple so the Tomatoes and butter stay the focus—Tomato Butter Pasta pairs well with subtle, not overpowering, additions.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give this Tomato Butter Pasta a whirl—there’s nothing like it when you want pure comfort and delight in one bowl. It’s easy, a little indulgent, and endlessly inviting, and I know you’ll fall for its charm just as I have. Go ahead, invite someone you love, and let Tomato Butter Pasta work its magic!

Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and simple recipe for Tomato Butter Pasta that combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the richness of butter and Parmesan, creating a flavorful and comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

9 oz / 250g Spaghetti, or other long cut pasta

Sauce:

1 lb / 500g Tomatoes (grated)
4 tbsp / 2 oz / 60g Butter
1/3 cup / 1 oz / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
2 cloves of Garlic, finely diced
Handful of Fresh Basil, finely diced
Pinch of Chilli Flakes, to taste
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Tomatoes: Use a box grater to grate each tomato into a bowl. Discard the skin when you get to it.
Make Sauce: Melt 3.5 tbsp butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic & chilli flakes, fry for a couple of minutes. Pour in tomatoes, season with salt & pepper, and simmer, stirring occasionally for 15 mins.
Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
Combine: Transfer pasta to the pan with the sauce. Toss in basil, then parmesan, adding pasta water to adjust consistency. Simmer until sauce thickens.
Finish: Add remaining butter, adjust seasoning, and serve with extra basil/parmesan.