pasta

Butter Cherry Tomato Garlic Pepper Pasta

A simple summer pasta featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, garlic, butter, and fresh basil. The tomatoes burst into a light sauce that combines with butter and pasta water for a silky finish.

Servings: 4 servings
Total Time: 35 min

Ingredients

Pasta
  • 1 pound linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne
  • Water for boiling
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt for pasta water
Vegetables & Sauce
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 sweet bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4-1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Finishing
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Butter Cherry Tomato Garlic Pepper Pasta

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Cook the Peppers While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes until beginning to soften.
  3. Add Garlic Stir in the sliced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
  4. Cook the Tomatoes Add the cherry tomatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until many of the tomatoes burst and release their juices.
  5. Finish the Sauce Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and stir until melted into the tomato juices.
  6. Combine Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and toss well. Add additional pasta water, a little at a time, until a silky sauce coats the pasta.
  7. Finish Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and most of the basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
  8. Serve Serve immediately topped with the remaining Parmesan, basil, and optional parsley.

Notes

  • Fresh garden cherry tomatoes produce the best flavor.
  • Use a mix of red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes for color.
  • Do not rinse the pasta after draining.
  • The reserved pasta water is essential for creating the silky butter sauce.

Tags

pasta italian summer garden cherry tomatoes bell peppers garlic butter quick dinner rizziefarms