Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta: A Flavorful Italian Delight

Garlic butter pasta is like a warm hug on a plate, offering a delightful combination of rich flavors that instantly transport you to Italy. Picture creamy, garlicky goodness coating each strand of perfectly cooked pasta, enticing you with its aroma as it simmers on the stovetop. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds.

Whenever I whip up garlic butter pasta, I am transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my grandmother would twirl her wooden spoon and declare, “This is the secret to happiness!” Little did she know that her secret ingredient was love mixed with a generous amount of garlic. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a spontaneous gathering with friends, this dish never fails to impress.

I once served this garlic butter pasta at a dinner party, and my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. One even asked if I could bottle the aroma!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta of Your Choice: Spaghetti or fettuccine work best; choose your favorite for the ultimate comfort.

• Fresh Garlic: Use at least six cloves for that punchy flavor; fresh is always better than pre-minced.

• Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted so you can control the saltiness of your dish better.

• Olive Oil: A splash adds richness and helps prevent the butter from burning during cooking.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese elevates the dish’s flavor and adds a wonderful creaminess.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley gives a pop of color and freshness; don’t skip this!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1-2 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add your drained pasta into the skillet with garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together while adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved.

Add Cheese and Seasonings: Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until everything is combined, creamy, and deliciously aromatic.

Finish with Parsley: Remove from heat and toss in chopped parsley for freshness. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and inviting.

Cooking should feel like an adventure rather than a chore! Enjoy every step of making garlic butter pasta as you create something truly special at home.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta while simultaneously sautéing minced garlic in butter. This ensures the pasta is perfectly coated in flavor when everything comes together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs like parsley or basil, or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

Sharing garlic butter pasta with friends turned into a hilarious evening, as we all tried not to slurp our noodles too loudly while enjoying every cheesy bite.

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for garlic butter pasta?

Choose spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine for best results; they coat well with the sauce.

Can I make garlic butter pasta vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a delicious twist.

How can I add protein to my garlic butter pasta?

Consider grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein without compromising flavor.

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Garlic Butter Pasta

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Garlic butter pasta is a warm and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of fresh garlic and creamy butter, creating an irresistible sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful meal that transports you straight to Italy.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. 1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
2. 2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt olive oil and unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
3. 3. Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet with garlic butter sauce, tossing to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved.
4. 4. Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste until well combined.
5. 5. Finish with parsley: Remove from heat, toss in chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (200g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg