Creamy Raw Tomato Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with chopped tomatoes, fresh basil, and dollops of ricotta or burrata cheese on a white dish.

When tomatoes are in peak season, it’s a crime to even cook them! This creamy tomato pasta uses uncooked heirloom tomatoes as the base of this fresh and bright sauce.

Creamy Raw Tomato Pasta

Serves 3 people

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp Kosher salt for pasta water
  • 6-8 ounces Spaghetti or other long pasta
  • 1 tbsp Butter
  • 1 clove Garlic grated
  • 1 large Heirloom tomato diced
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 2-3 tbsp Heavy cream
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Basil chiffonade, for garnish
  • Stracciatella or Burrata for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 2 tbsp kosher salt. Boil the spaghetti until fully cooked, then drain. To the empty but still warm pot, add 1 tbsp butter along with 1 clove grated garlic. Add the hot, cooked pasta to the pot with the butter and garlic and mix to combine. Keep over low heat.
  • In a large bowl, add the diced heirloom tomato, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 2-3 tbsp heavy cream. (Start with 2 tbsp cream, then combine and add another if needed). Mix until well combined.
  • Add the hot garlic butter pasta directly to the bowl of tomatoes, then mix thoroughly to combine. Taste, then add more salt if needed along with cracked black pepper. Mix again.
  • Serve warm, spooning tomatoes and sauce over the pasta. Garnish with a few dollops of stracciatella and chiffonaded basil.

Tips & Variations:

  • Tomatoes will vary in size, but look for an heirloom tomato about the size of your hand. Make sure it is deep red and fully ripe before using. Cut around any stem or mushy parts and discard those.
  • Salting the pasta water heavily will impart more flavor into the pasta itself, which will help bring out the flavors of the raw tomato.
  • Don’t let the tomatoes sit in the bowl for too long after dicing so they don’t become watery.

Have questions or made this recipe?

Leave a comment or rating below. I read every one!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:




Five glasses of pink watermelon drinks with ice and watermelon wedges, some with salted rims, placed on a wooden board with lime and watermelon slices nearby.
Pink text reads "the kitchen table" in a bold, serif font on a light background.

Want more recipes like this?

The Kitchen Table is my newsletter, where I share exclusive recipes, longer-form cooking notes, and what I’m making lately.