Garlic Butter Pasta
Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and easy comfort food dish combining creamy butter, fragrant fresh garlic, perfectly cooked pasta, and Parmesan cheese into a rich, satisfying meal. Ready in under 20 minutes, it serves as a versatile base with minimal ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with simple, flavorful pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite noodles
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Cheese and Herbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but not tough. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water incrementally until you reach a creamy consistency.
- Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor compared to powder or pre-minced options.
- Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente so noodles hold the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Save pasta water as its starch helps emulsify the sauce and maintain a silky texture.
- Cook garlic gently on low heat in butter to avoid bitterness and enhance sweetness.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: garlic butter pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, buttery pasta, Italian pasta
Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/garlic-butter-pasta/
