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Quick Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

quick creamy garlic butter pasta - featured image

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring a creamy garlic butter sauce with bursting cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons (about 56 g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A small handful fresh basil, roughly chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
  • Lemon zest (optional, 1 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons (56 g) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add 2 cups (300 g) of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and start to burst.
  4. Slowly add 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Let simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Add more reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  6. Stir in ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss to combine.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes or lemon zest.

Notes

Keep an eye on the garlic to avoid burning. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use fresh Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pasta, creamy garlic butter pasta, cherry tomatoes, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, creamy pasta sauce