Description
A simple and flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that combines al dente pasta with sautéed garlic in rich butter, finished with grated parmesan and fresh parsley for a delightful and comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces dried pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or any other long or short pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 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 water and drain the pasta.
- Sauté the garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add the sliced garlic and sauté lightly until fragrant and just beginning to golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss in sauce: Add the hot drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water and toss the pasta with kitchen tongs until a thick sauce forms, coating the noodles. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and continue tossing until melted, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
- Add parmesan and herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Toss continuously until everything is well combined and creamy. Season with additional salt if desired.
- Serve: Plate the garlic butter pasta warm, garnish with extra grated parmesan if preferred, and enjoy your deliciously simple meal!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings well to the pasta.
- Be sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- You can adjust the amount of butter and parmesan to taste.
- Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be substituted with basil or oregano if preferred.
- This recipe is easy to customize by adding red pepper flakes for heat or cooked vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
