There’s nothing quite like the smell of garlic sizzling in butter, wafting through your kitchen and beckoning everyone to gather around. This garlic butter pasta recipe doesn’t just fill your belly; it warms your heart, evoking memories of cozy family dinners and laughter over twirling forks. Imagine luscious strands of pasta enveloped in a rich, golden sauce that dances between savory and slightly sweet—a flavor combination that makes you want to dive face-first into the bowl.
Picture this: you’ve had a long day, you’re tired, and the thought of cooking feels overwhelming. But then you remember this dish. In just about 20 minutes, you can create a culinary masterpiece that leaves everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds). It’s perfect for a weekday dinner or an impromptu gathering when friends decide to drop by unannounced. You’ll have them raving about your cooking skills in no time!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter pasta recipe is easy to make, ideal for busy evenings
- Its rich flavor profile combines buttery goodness with aromatic garlic, making every bite delightful
- The dish is visually appealing, showcasing glossy pasta that glistens with sauce
- Perfectly versatile, it pairs well with veggies or proteins for a complete meal
I still remember the first time I made this garlic butter pasta recipe for my friends. They practically inhaled it! Their delighted faces were priceless as they fought over the last bites.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spaghetti or Linguine: Choose your favorite type; both work beautifully with the buttery sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness—plus, who doesn’t love rich butter?
Fresh Garlic: For optimal flavor, use fresh cloves instead of pre-minced varieties.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a delightful salty finish; always opt for the real deal if possible.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
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
Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in your spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente—just firm enough to hold its shape.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: While your pasta cooks, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute is all it takes! Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic turns bitter.
Add Pasta to Sauce: When your pasta is done, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Toss the hot pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated in that heavenly mix.
Mix in Parmesan and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese while adding reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is reached. Season generously with salt and pepper until everything is beautifully balanced.
Add Fresh Parsley and Serve: Finally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness before serving immediately. The aroma should be irresistible at this point!
This simple yet satisfying dish comes together quickly, allowing you more time to enjoy it rather than slaving away in the kitchen. Whether you’re having a quiet night alone or hosting friends for dinner, garlic butter pasta will impress without any fuss!
You Must Know
- This garlic butter pasta recipe is a simple yet delicious dish that elevates any meal
- The rich aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling your pasta until al dente, then sauté garlic in butter while it cooks. Combine everything for a seamless, flavorful finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out spaghetti for fettuccine or add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
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 restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best garlic flavor, use fresh cloves instead of pre-minced options
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning levels perfectly
- If using cheese, add it right before serving for maximum creaminess
I remember the first time I made this garlic butter pasta; my friends devoured it and begged for the recipe. Their smiles were worth every minute spent cooking!
FAQ
Can I make this garlic butter pasta recipe vegan?
Yes, replace butter with olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal choices for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic for a delightful kick!
Garlic Butter Pasta
Garlic Butter Pasta is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. In just 20 minutes, you can transform simple ingredients into a rich and aromatic pasta that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With luscious spaghetti or linguine coated in buttery garlic goodness, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Ready to impress your guests with minimal effort? Let’s dive right in!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add spaghetti or linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the remaining water from the pasta. Toss hot pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
