Brown Butter Tomatoes Over Spaghetti
This Brown Butter Tomatoes Over Spaghetti is a simple yet elegant pasta dish featuring nutty brown butter, sweet blistered tomatoes, fresh garlic, and basil tossed with spaghetti. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 20 MINUTES
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter foams and develops a deep golden-brown color with a nutty aroma.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 8–10 minutes until the tomatoes blister and begin to burst.
- Add drained spaghetti directly to the skillet and toss well.
- Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until a silky sauce forms.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil.
- Serve immediately with additional basil if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe summer tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Fresh basil should be added at the end for maximum flavor.