Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta : A Quick Recipe

Sometimes the most satisfying meals come from the simplest ingredients. That’s exactly the beauty of Tomato Butter Pasta—a rustic, rich, and flavorful dish that combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, and butter to create a silky sauce that clings to each strand of pasta.

Inspired by classic Italian simplicity, this dish brings together pantry staples and seasonal produce in the most comforting way possible. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and then crave again the next day.

Whether you’re short on time or just craving something fresh yet indulgent, this pasta dish hits the spot. My grandmother used to make a similar version with tomatoes from her garden, a knob of butter, and just a touch of garlic—and this recipe is my homage to that soul-satisfying simplicity.

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Why You’ll Love This Tomato Butter Pasta

• It’s ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses only 7 main ingredients
• Bursting with fresh tomato flavor
• Perfect as a main dish or elegant side
• Easily adaptable for vegan or spicy versions

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 3–4 ripe plum tomatoes (or ~1 lb), grated
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 6 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Tip: Use the large holes on a box grater to grate the tomatoes, skin side facing your palm. The skins will naturally stay behind.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Make Tomato Butter Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
While the pasta cooks, grate the tomatoes into a bowl. You should end up with about 1 to 1¼ cups of pulp. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and chili flakes, sautéing just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

3. Add the Tomatoes
Pour in the grated tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the raw tomato taste mellows.

4. Toss with Pasta
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until everything is glossy and well combined.

5. Finish and Serve
Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh basil. Serve hot, topped with a generous shower of Parmesan cheese and extra chili flakes if desired.

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Flavor & Texture Profile

The sauce is velvety and lightly tangy with deep tomato flavor balanced by the richness of butter. Garlic and chili flakes add complexity, while basil offers fresh brightness. The result is luxurious, silky pasta that tastes far more indulgent than its humble ingredients suggest.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a main course with a glass of white wine
• Pair with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal
• Use as a base for grilled chicken or shrimp
• Top with burrata or ricotta for a creamy finish
• Add olives or capers for a Mediterranean twist

This dish is elegant enough for a dinner party and easy enough for weeknights.

Variations to Try

Vegan Version – Use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan, or sub with nutritional yeast
Creamy Version – Add a splash of heavy cream or swirl in a spoonful of mascarpone
Spicy Kick – Increase chili flakes or add Calabrian chili paste
Tomato Paste Boost – Add a tablespoon of tomato paste with the fresh tomato for extra depth
Herb Swap – Try thyme or oregano instead of basil for a twist

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or butter.

To Freeze:
Tomato butter sauce freezes beautifully. Make a double batch and freeze it in portions. Reheat and toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 420
Fat: 18g
Carbs: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 3g

Nutrition will vary depending on portion size and cheese amount used.

Cultural Inspiration

Though not traditional, Tomato Butter Pasta embodies the heart of Italian cuisine—letting fresh, quality ingredients shine without overcomplicating the dish. The butter-tomato emulsion echoes the technique behind dishes like Marcella Hazan’s famous tomato sauce, while the grated tomatoes lend it rustic charm.

This is pasta the way it was meant to be: clean, bold, and comforting.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Use crushed San Marzano tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand. Use about 1 cup and simmer slightly longer.

Is it okay to use olive oil instead of butter?
You can, but butter is key to the silky richness of this dish. Try half butter, half olive oil if needed.

Can I use cherry or grape tomatoes?
Yes, but chop or blend them instead of grating. They tend to be sweeter and less juicy.

What kind of pasta works best?
Spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini are great. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works too but holds less sauce.

Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Add cooked shrimp, pancetta, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.

External Links

Tomato Grating Technique – Bon Appétit
Classic Italian Tomato Sauce – Serious Eats
How to Cook Pasta Perfectly – The Kitchn
Butter in Pasta Sauces – Food52

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Butter Pasta is proof that a few great ingredients, handled simply, can deliver unforgettable flavor. It’s a go-to comfort dish with gourmet flair—perfect for date nights, solo dinners, or spontaneous meals when you need something both easy and impressive

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