Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the richness of butter and the aromatic punch of garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and satisfies with every bite.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the garlic butter. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Step 4: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again to combine everything evenly.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning by cooking it gently in the butter.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, bright twist.
- For a richer dish, stir in a splash of heavy cream before adding the Parmesan.
- Include toasted pine nuts or chili flakes for added texture and a hint of heat.
Storage
Store leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it can make the pasta tough.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe works well with a variety of pasta shapes such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium or medium-low heat, stirring frequently, and remove from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and can ruin the dish.
PrintGarlic Butter Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish made by tossing perfectly cooked pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for any weeknight or when you want a delicious, fuss-free dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare garlic butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss pasta with garlic butter: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat evenly. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, tossing again until well combined.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley for an enhanced presentation and flavor boost.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and has superior taste compared to pre-grated options.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.
- Use fresh parsley for the best aroma and color.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Italian Pasta, Garlic Butter Sauce
