Garlic Butter Pasta: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious & Easy Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet irresistible dish that combines rich butter and fragrant garlic with pasta for a quick, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food without fuss, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful pasta in just a few steps.

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
• Optional additions: shrimp, chicken, vegetables (broccoli, spinach, etc.)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
4. Step 4: Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
5. Step 5: Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing it.
6. Step 6: Return the skillet with garlic butter to low heat. Add the drained pasta and toss well to coat the noodles in the buttery garlic sauce.
7. Step 7: Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually, about 2 tablespoons at a time, tossing as you go until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
8. Step 8: Stir in the chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
9. Step 9: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste.
10. Step 10: Toss everything until combined and creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal.
• Incorporate vegetables like steamed broccoli or fresh spinach for added color and nutrients.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated cheese can be less flavorful and sometimes gritty.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Reserve more pasta water if you want a thinner sauce, adding it gradually to reach your preferred texture.

Storage

Store any leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra butter to loosen the sauce and keep the pasta creamy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with various pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Choose your favorite type for a great result.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over medium-low heat and stir constantly to avoid burning. Removing the pan from heat once the garlic is golden and fragrant helps prevent bitterness.

Garlic Butter Pasta: The Ultimate Guide to a Delicious & Easy Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 165 reviews

A simple yet flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that combines al dente pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a quick weeknight meal or a base for adding shrimp, chicken, or vegetables.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Optional Additions

• Shrimp
• Chicken
• Vegetables (broccoli, spinach, etc.)

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure the flavor disperses evenly in the butter sauce.
2. Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful to avoid burning the garlic. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat.
3. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine) and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
4. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water to help loosen the sauce later.
5. Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it, to retain the starch that helps the sauce cling.
6. Combine Pasta & Sauce: Return the skillet with the garlic butter sauce to low heat. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the butter and garlic.
7. Add Pasta Water: Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, about 2 tablespoons at a time, tossing continuously until the sauce reaches your desired creamy consistency.
8. Add Parsley & Parmesan: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. If you like a bit of heat, add the optional red pepper flakes at this time.
9. Season: Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
10. Toss & Serve: Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Notes

• For a protein boost, add cooked shrimp or chicken along with the pasta when tossing in the skillet.
• Vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach make great additions to add color and nutrition.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter and affect the flavor.
• Do not rinse pasta after draining to keep the starch on the noodles, which helps the sauce stick better.
• You can swap unsalted butter for olive oil for a lighter version, although the flavor will differ.
• Adjust the amount of reserved pasta water for your preferred sauce consistency.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner, Vegetarian Pasta, Italian Pasta