Easy and Delicious Tomato Butter Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than tomato butter pasta — a dish so simple, yet bursting with rich, velvety flavor that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this mouthwatering pasta will quickly become your go-to weeknight favorite. Curious how something so easy can taste so indulgent? Keep reading to uncover the secret behind its irresistible charm.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 1 small yellow onion
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Colander
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure to reserve about half a cup of the cooking water for later if needed.
2. Start the sauce: While the pasta boils, peel a small yellow onion and cut it in half from root to stem. Place both halves into a medium saucepan.
3. Add tomatoes and butter: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the butter. It may seem like a lot, but trust me — it transforms the sauce into something rich and magical.
4. Simmer patiently: Set the saucepan over medium heat. Let it gently bubble away, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally, and use your spoon to gently press on the onion as it softens. The flavors will deepen and the butter will emulsify into the tomatoes, making the sauce silky and bright.
5. Remove the onion: After 20 minutes, take out the onion and discard it or save it as a snack with some crusty bread, which is my favorite secret bonus from this recipe.
6. Combine and season: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, stirring gently to coat each strand. If it seems thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm: Plate your pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of torn basil if you like that fresh herby pop.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Tomato butter pasta is the kind of simple yet luxurious dish that tastes like it came straight from a quiet Italian kitchen. It is the marriage of tangy tomatoes and rich butter, unified in a smooth velvety sauce that clings lovingly to each piece of pasta. This is the dinner you make when you need a little comfort but have very little time.

I fell in love with this recipe during a busy week, and it has become a loyal weeknight favorite. It is a pantry-hero, using ingredients you likely already have. There is something magical about how the onion subtly perfumes the sauce without ever being overpowering. You will feel like a magician stirring this, watching it transform into pure comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tomato butter pasta is fast, foolproof, and unapologetically delicious. Here is what makes it shine:

• It takes only 25 minutes from start to finish
• Uses pantry staples, so no fancy shopping trip required
• The butter creates a rich and creamy texture without any cream
• You can add extras like spinach, sausage, or shrimp without changing the core recipe

Whether you are feeding yourself on a quiet evening or whipping up a quick dinner for friends, this recipe comes through again and again.

Serving and Storage Tips

This pasta is best served warm, freshly tossed in the buttery tomato sauce. If you are serving guests, keep it on low heat for a few minutes before plating and garnish with a bit of extra Parmesan and basil right before serving.

Leftovers keep beautifully, too. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

You can even freeze this pasta. Let it cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove for best texture.

Course, Cuisine

Main Course, Italian

Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

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