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
Scale
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.
