Description
Creamy tomato lemon butter sauce elevates simple pasta dishes with Mediterranean charm. Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create a luxurious meal you can savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (240 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 tbsps (60 g) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (40 g) finely chopped onion or shallots
- ½ tsp lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a medium skillet and sauté minced garlic and diced onion until translucent, releasing their fragrant essence.
- Tomato Transformation: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, coaxing them to break down and caramelize while stirring periodically, creating a softened texture.
- Flavor Layering: Stir in tomato paste vigorously, then introduce broth and lemon juice to develop a harmonious liquid base. Simmer and reduce the mixture, concentrating flavors and thickening the sauce’s consistency.
- Butter Integration: Reduce heat and whisk chilled butter cubes methodically, ensuring smooth melting without separation. Gently fold in lemon zest, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Final Flourish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, adding a vibrant aromatic dimension. Serve immediately to preserve the sauce’s velvety, glossy texture.
Notes
- Select Fresh Tomatoes: Choose ripe, vibrant cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor and natural sweetness, ensuring they are firm and deeply colored.
- Control Heat Carefully: Maintain a gentle, consistent low-medium heat to prevent sauce separation and preserve the delicate butter emulsion.
- Butter Technique: Add cold butter cubes gradually while whisking constantly, creating a smooth, silky texture without breaking the sauce’s composition.
- Customize Flavor Profile: Adjust acidity by balancing lemon juice quantity; start with less and taste progressively to achieve desired tanginess without overwhelming the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Sauce
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg