If you are on the hunt for a simple yet irresistibly flavorful meal to whip up any night of the week, this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Rich, buttery, and infused with the warm aroma of garlic, this dish is comfort food elevated to a whole new level. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce, finished off with nutty parmesan and fresh parsley, creates a harmony of flavors that feel both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to for a fuss-free but seriously delicious dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for this recipe are simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary dish. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and a beautiful presentation that’s both inviting and satisfying.
- 8 ounces dried pasta: Choose your favorite type like spaghetti or linguine; it’s the canvas for all that garlic butter goodness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided): Butter provides a silky richness and helps develop that irresistible sauce texture.
- 3 cloves garlic (sliced): The star of the dish, garlic adds a fragrant depth and a touch of warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A subtle spice that balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the finished dish, bringing all flavors together.
- ½ cup grated parmesan: Parm adds a wonderful savory, nutty kick and melts beautifully into the sauce.
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the dish visually and with a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by boiling a generous pot of salted water—this is key to flavorful pasta. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. Remember to set aside one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid is pure gold for creating the luscious sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the garlic
While the pasta cooks, melt half of your butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté gently until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it as that bitterness can overwhelm the dish. This step infuses the butter with the garlic’s mellow aroma, creating a fragrant base for your pasta sauce.
Step 3: Toss in sauce
Immediately after draining the pasta, add it to the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and begin tossing everything with kitchen tongs. This toss encourages the pasta water and butter to emulsify, creating a velvety coating on each strand. Continue adding the remaining butter bit by bit while tossing so it melts evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water to reach that perfect silky texture.
Step 4: Add parmesan and herbs
Remove the skillet from heat and quickly stir in the freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley. These finishing touches add a burst of cheesy richness and a refreshing herbal lift. Taste and season with salt if needed. Give everything one last toss so all the flavors blend beautifully, and get ready to serve right away.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes take this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe from delicious to memorable. Extra parmesan sprinkled on top adds a lovely cheesy finish, while a few whole parsley leaves scattered over the dish provide a fresh, vibrant look that whets the appetite.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light sides such as a crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette make perfect companions for soaking up every last bit of that buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve your Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe in warmed bowls to keep it cozy and inviting. Twirling portions into neat nests on each plate not only looks elegant but also encourages savoring each bite. You can also add a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will absorb the sauce as it sits, so it might seem drier—don’t worry, that’s completely normal.
Freezing
While this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Keep in mind the texture may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To bring the pasta back to life, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often and add a bit more butter or parmesan if desired. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta clump and dry out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe works beautifully with any pasta shape, whether long strands like fettuccine or short types like penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for parmesan?
If you do not have parmesan, pecorino romano is a great alternative for a sharp, salty kick. Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free twist, offering a cheesy flavor without cheese.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Cook the garlic over medium to medium-low heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently. Garlic cooks very fast and can burn in seconds, so be gentle and patient to extract that perfect flavor.
Can I add protein or vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms complement the flavors wonderfully. For vegetables, spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas can add freshness and color to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe gluten-free by simply swapping regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and all other ingredients remain the same and just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is a shining example of how uncomplicated ingredients can create something truly special. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and elegance that anyone can pull off in their own kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might be surprised at how quickly it becomes a dinner-time favorite for you and your loved ones.
Print
Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. With just a few simple ingredients like pasta, garlic, butter, parmesan, and fresh parsley, you can create a rich and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy-to-make pasta is a fantastic option for weeknight dinners or whenever you’re craving a satisfying Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or any other long or short pasta)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic (sliced)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a medium-sized saucepot, bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the dried pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the sliced garlic and sauté lightly, just until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss pasta in sauce: Add the hot drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in a portion of the reserved pasta water and toss using kitchen tongs vigorously so the pasta gets coated with a creamy sauce. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and continue tossing until the butter melts and the sauce thickens, adding more pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Add parmesan and herbs: Remove the skillet from heat, then add ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Toss the pasta continuously to evenly distribute the cheese and herbs. Taste and season with additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this warm, flavorful dish as a quick and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cook garlic gently to avoid bitterness; it should be light golden and aromatic.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- Add pasta water gradually to control the sauce consistency.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
