The aroma of garlic butter pasta wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in a creamy, dreamy dish that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta around your fork, each bite infused with rich garlic and luscious butter, making every moment feel like a special occasion.
One taste of this garlic butter pasta will transport you to a cozy Italian trattoria where laughter and clinking glasses fill the air. This recipe is perfect for casual weeknight dinners or impressing guests at dinner parties. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have you saying, “Mamma mia!” before you’ve even finished your first plate.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter pasta offers a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor
- Customize it easily by adding veggies or proteins based on your preference
- Its creamy texture and golden hue make it visually appealing on any table
- Perfect for romantic dinners or family gatherings, this dish is sure to impress everyone!
Many evenings I’ve watched my friends’ eyes widen in delight as they devoured this garlic butter pasta; their smiles were priceless and unforgettable.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta: Any pasta shape works, but I love using spaghetti for its twirling potential.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the seasoning better.
Fresh Garlic: Opt for fresh cloves; they give an aromatic punch that pre-minced garlic just can’t match.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for a creamier finish; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle adds color and a hint of freshness that brightens the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to save some pasta water for later.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes; be careful not to burn it!
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta (remember that saved water) and add it directly into the skillet with garlic butter. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed until you achieve desired creaminess.
Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over your pasta while tossing. Season with salt and pepper to taste; this is where magic happens!
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and toss in chopped parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top if desired—watch those hearts melt!
Cooking this garlic butter pasta creates an experience filled with tempting aromas and cheerful chatter around the kitchen. It’s fast enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for company—truly a versatile gem! Enjoy every delicious bite!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter pasta is an easy way to elevate a weeknight meal
- The rich, fragrant sauce coats the pasta perfectly, making every bite a delight
- It’s a dish that warms the soul and impresses guests without breaking a sweat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente, then sauté garlic in butter while the pasta cooks. Combine both for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options. Toss in veggies or protein for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamy version, add cream cheese or sour cream to the garlic butter sauce
- Always use fresh garlic for that robust flavor that makes this dish sing
- Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water—it’s liquid gold!
I once made garlic butter pasta for my friends during a dinner party, and they couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s now a go-to recipe whenever I need to impress.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta for garlic butter pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you love will work perfectly with garlic butter sauce.
What can I add to garlic butter pasta?
Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for additional flavors and textures.
How do I prevent my garlic from burning?
Cook garlic over low heat; it releases its flavor without scorching, ensuring a delicious dish.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Garlic Butter Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines al dente pasta with rich garlic and buttery flavors. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a delightful dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With the addition of fresh herbs and cheese, each bite feels like a warm embrace, making it an instant favorite at your table.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- 2. Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- 3. Combine: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss with garlic butter, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- 4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the pasta while tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
