Description
Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and easy comforting dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, enhanced with freshly grated Parmesan and bright parsley. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals, this recipe uses minimal pantry staples and offers versatile options to customize with proteins, veggies, or herbs for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine pasta, cooked al dente
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced finely
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, to sauté garlic)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your choice of pasta. Cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the rest.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn the garlic. Olive oil may be added to help prevent burning.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water in small splashes as needed to create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to every strand.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste and toss well once more.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the Garlic Butter Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired, and enjoy the rich, garlicky flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the garlic; sauté it gently on medium-low heat to avoid bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor brightness.
- Quality unsalted butter enhances the richness of the dish.
- Toss the pasta vigorously with the sauce immediately to coat evenly before butter firms up.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: garlic butter pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, garlic pasta, creamy pasta, weeknight meal, Italian pasta
