Chili Crisp Tomato Butter Pasta (Printable)

Spicy chili crisp and roasted tomatoes combine with butter for a rich, flavorful pasta dish.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz dried spaghetti or linguine

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp chili crisp (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 14 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
06 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp sugar
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

09 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
10 - Fresh basil leaves, to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ⅓ cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and sauté until softened and blistered, about 6 to 8 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, and sugar. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine.
04 - Mix in chili crisp and remaining butter. Cook until fragrant and butter melts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 - Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a smooth sauce consistency.
06 - Divide into serving bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The velvety sauce clings to every strand of pasta, and the chili crisp brings zing no one expects.
  • It comes together in half an hour but tastes like you fussed for ages—ideal for both last-minute meals and sharing with friends.
02 -
  • Letting the tomato paste sauté just one extra minute makes all the difference—it unlocks a richer, more layered flavor.
  • The first time I forgot to reserve pasta water, the sauce ended up stiff and lackluster—always save that cup!
03 -
  • Wait until the very end to add basil—the heat can wilt it too quickly, and you want its fragrance fresh.
  • Stirring the chili crisp in with a gentle hand keeps the crunchy bits intact for the best texture contrast.
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