Name: Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 200g pasta (7.1 oz); 1/8 tsp black pepper; 1/8 tsp red chilli flakes; 1/4 tsp mixed herbs; 10g grated Parmesan cheese (around 1/8 cup), plus extra for garnish; 25g salted butter (1 tbsp + 2 tsps), divided; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 150ml chicken stock (1/2 cup + 2 tbsps)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 11 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting, quick, and irresistibly flavorful dish, the Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This pasta dazzles with a vibrant garlic butter tomato sauce that perfectly coats al dente noodles, while a rich sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds that creamy, salty finishing touch. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for any night when you want something delicious without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan filled with steaming brownish-red sauce mixed with small chunks of meat sits on a white marbled surface. A black slotted spatula rests inside the pan on the right side, partially submerged in the sauce. Behind the pan, there is a large white bowl filled with cooked spiral pasta, and to the right of the bowl, there are two small white ramekins, one with a square of yellow butter and the other with grated cheese. The background is simple and clean. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple staples, yet each plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture — from the silky butter to the savory tomato paste and the sharp Parmesan that brings everything together.

200g pasta (7.1 oz): Choose your favorite type for perfect bite and texture.
25g salted butter (1 tbsp + 2 tsps): Adds richness and a creamy texture that makes the sauce luscious.
5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory warmth essential in every bite.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the sauce its vibrant color.
150ml chicken stock (1/2 cup + 2 tbsps): Brings depth and moisture, creating the perfect sauce base.
1/8 tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle kick that balances the richness.
1/8 tsp red chili flakes: Adds a gentle heat to awaken your taste buds.
1/4 tsp mixed herbs: Gives the sauce an aromatic freshness.
10g grated Parmesan cheese (around 1/8 cup): Melts into the pasta, creating a savory, creamy finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add a splash of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente—firm but with just the right amount of bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water just in case, and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a warm pan, melt 15g (about 1 tbsp) of butter over low to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently cook until it turns a light golden color, about 1 minute and 10 seconds. This slow cooking process draws out the garlic’s sweetness without burning it, which is key for a balanced sauce.

Step 3: Develop the Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and cook over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes. This step deepens its rich tomato flavor, transforming it from tangy to luscious. Stir often to avoid sticking and ensure the tomato paste heats through evenly.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add the chicken stock to the pan along with black pepper, red chili flakes, and mixed herbs. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil. This combination creates a sauce that’s both savory and aromatic, with a subtle spicy lift that keeps things exciting.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta in Sauce

Introduce the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat each strand or piece in that flavorful mixture. Allow the pasta to cook lightly in the sauce over medium-high heat for about a minute, which helps the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Finish with Butter and Parmesan

Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the remaining 10g (2 tsps) of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese. This finishing touch makes the sauce silky and rich, wrapping the pasta in a creamy, cheesy hug that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Sprinkle with extra freshly grated Parmesan right before serving for an added burst of flavor and texture. Now, grab your fork and dive in!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe

A black round pan filled with spiral pasta coated in a light orange sauce is shown on a white marbled surface. In the center of the pasta sits a small chunk of butter and a pile of grated white cheese. A black slotted spoon rests on the right side inside the pan, slightly lifting some pasta. The scene is simple with a focus on the pasta and the melting butter and cheese in the middle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish. A little extra cracked black pepper or chili flakes on top can elevate the flavor if you like a bit more spice. Don’t forget that final shower of Parmesan for good measure—because cheese makes everything better.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp can complement the flavors beautifully, turning your quick pasta into a feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs for a touch of elegance. For a cozy touch, add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors right before serving. For dinner parties, individual ramekins topped with a Parmesan crisp can add a fun, gourmet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, so a bit of reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken stock will help when reheating to restore creaminess.

Freezing

The pasta can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the sauce separately if possible. When freezing together, transfer cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly. It can be frozen up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little water or stock if the sauce seems dry. Avoid microwaving at high power to prevent drying out; taking your time will keep the pasta luscious and creamy, just as it was fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for the Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe?

Absolutely! While any pasta will work, shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are excellent because they hold the sauce well. Just cook according to package directions and adjust sauce quantity if needed.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable stock. The flavors will remain rich and delicious, and it’s a perfect option for vegetarian-friendly meals.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms complement the garlic butter tomato sauce beautifully and add extra color and nutrition to the pasta.

How can I make this Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce during cooking. You can also finish with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick.

What’s the best way to grate Parmesan for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide more flavor than pre-grated versions. Use a fine or medium grater and grate just before adding to the pasta to enjoy its full aroma and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about a simple dish done right, and this Garlic Butter Tomato Pasta with Parmesan Recipe is exactly that. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and comforting—the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try enough. Once you do, it’s sure to become one of your favorites too!

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