Garlic Butter Pasta

There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a bowl of warm garlic butter pasta. With its rich, buttery sauce infused with fragrant garlic, this dish is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side to accompany your main course, garlic butter pasta delivers every time. Ready in minutes, it’s a go-to recipe when you want something indulgent without the fuss and it’s so good, you might just skip the takeout and make this instead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & easy: Ready in just 15–20 minutes.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples you probably already have.
• Customizable: Works with any pasta shape and optional add-ins.
• Crowd-pleasing: A flavor combo everyone loves.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Stir in red pepper flakes if using, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
4. Toss well to coat the pasta in the garlic butter. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Serving Tips

Garlic butter pasta is best served hot, straight from the skillet, so the sauce stays silky and flavorful. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a more complete meal. For an extra touch, top with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the pasta dry and rubbery. For best flavor and texture, enjoy it fresh whenever possible.

Timing Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 15–17 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2–3

Optional Variations

• Add protein: Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier garlic butter pasta.
• Cheese swap: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper flavor.
• Herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, thyme, or oregano instead of parsley to change the flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta to keep this garlic butter pasta friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.

Related Recipes

• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Alfredo Fettuccine
• Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Conclusion

Garlic butter pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this garlic butter pasta will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use any type of pasta for garlic butter pasta?
A1: Absolutely! This recipe works well with spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. Just cook according to package instructions.

Q2: How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
A2: Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir frequently. Remove it from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

Q3: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A3: Yes! Use a plant-based butter and vegan Parmesan substitute to make a delicious vegan garlic butter pasta.

Q4: How can I make the sauce creamier?
A4: Adding a splash of heavy cream or stirring in extra Parmesan cheese can make the sauce richer and creamier.

Q5: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A5: It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.

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