Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients. This recipe delivers a creamy, garlicky sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. It’s an ideal weeknight meal or a base for adding your choice of proteins and vegetables.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Optional additions: shrimp, chicken, vegetables (broccoli, spinach, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
4. Step 4: Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
5. Step 5: Drain the pasta in a colander, do not rinse.
6. Step 6: Return the skillet with the garlic butter to low heat. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
7. Step 7: Pour in the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, tossing the pasta until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
8. Step 8: Stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes if using.
9. Step 9: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
10. Step 10: Toss everything until well combined and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken to the pasta before tossing with the sauce.
• Include vegetables like steamed broccoli or fresh spinach for added color and nutrients.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and avoid burning it to keep the sauce smooth and sweet.
• If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or top with crushed chili.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness; it helps the sauce stick to the noodles.

Storage

Store leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or additional butter to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

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 many pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Yes, reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the pasta, making it silky and cohesive. It also helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.

Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

• Author: Luna
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Garlic Butter Pasta recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. It’s easy to customize with optional additions like shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, perfect for a simple yet impressive dinner.

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Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Optional Additions

• Shrimp
• Chicken
• Vegetables (broccoli, spinach, etc.)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure they release maximum flavor into the butter.
2. Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
3. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches al dente texture.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside. This helps in loosening and combining the sauce later.
5. Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta using a colander but do not rinse it, keeping the starch intact for better sauce adherence.
6. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Place the skillet with the garlic butter back on low heat. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the butter and garlic mixture.
7. Add Pasta Water: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, about 2 tablespoons at a time, while continuously tossing the pasta, until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
8. Add Parsley & Parmesan: Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
9. Season: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
10. Toss & Serve: Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated and creamy. Serve immediately garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for a bright finish.

Notes

• Do not burn the garlic while sautéing as it will turn bitter.
• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; it helps bind the sauce and pasta.
• Do not rinse the pasta after cooking to retain the starch necessary for the sauce.
• Optional protein or vegetables can be added by sautéing separately and mixing in at the end.
• Use fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, easy pasta recipe, creamy garlic pasta, Italian pasta dish, simple dinner, garlic butter sauce