There’s something magical about the simplicity of Garlic Butter Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in comfort, tantalizing your taste buds with its rich buttery sauce and the fragrant allure of freshly sautéed garlic. Imagine twirling your fork into a plateful of perfection, each bite better than the last. It’s the ultimate comfort food that you can whip up in just about 20 minutes, making it perfect for a cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan provides an irresistible taste experience.
- Versatile: Pair it with a side salad or top with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This pasta is sure to win over even the pickiest eaters with its creamy, savory goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Butter Pasta lies in its simplicity. With just a few staple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels anything but ordinary. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delicious meal to life.
- Pasta: Choose any type, from long strands like spaghetti to shorter pieces like penne; they all absorb the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce; using unsalted allows you to control the seasoning.
- Garlic: Freshly sliced, it brings a warm, aromatic depth to the dish that is simply unmatched.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce for well-rounded taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, salty kick that melds perfectly into the buttery sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the dish.
Variations
This Garlic Butter Pasta is a canvas for your culinary creativity! Whether you want to switch it up for dietary reasons or just have fun with flavors, here are some exciting variations you might try.
- Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a heartier meal.
- Vegetable Medley: Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give the dish a fiery kick.
- Lemon Lovers: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten and elevate the flavors all the more.
How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
First, you’ll want to get your pasta into a large pot of boiling, salted water. Cook until it’s just shy of al dente, so it has a slight bite. Remember to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it—it’s the secret to achieving that perfectly glossy sauce later on.
Step 2: Craft the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. You’ll then sauté the sliced garlic until it’s fragrant, being careful not to brown it too much. Add in your cooked pasta along with some of that pasta water and toss until it begins to form a velvety sauce. Stir in the remaining butter and allow it to melt beautifully, making sure everything is well combined.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Toss everything together, making sure each strand is lovingly coated. Season with a little more salt, and maybe a final crack of black pepper, and you’re ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Pasta
- Perfect Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving pasta water; it’s key to emulsifying the sauce.
- Garlic Timing: Ensure garlic is sautéed until just golden to avoid bitterness.
- Cheese Integration: Remove from heat before adding parmesan to prevent clumping.
- Parsley Freshness: Chop parsley just before use to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, a little can go a long way. A sprinkle of extra parmesan on top adds an indulgent touch, while more fresh parsley gives a refreshing contrast. You might also want to add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an added layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
To complement the rich and savory tones of Garlic Butter Pasta, consider serving a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette. Perhaps some steamed vegetables for a burst of color and health, or a warm, crusty piece of garlic bread to enhance the meal’s cozy charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Take presentation to the next level by serving the pasta in individual bowls or plates, garnished with a few whole parsley leaves artfully arranged. For a special touch, use a fork to twist portions into tall, elegant piles before garnishing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they’ll last for up to three days. The pasta will continue to absorb flavor and remain satisfyingly delicious even after reheating.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Garlic Butter Pasta. Package it tightly in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to two months. Remember to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pasta gently on the stovetop over medium heat. You may want to add a bit of butter or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar instead of fresh garlic?
While you can use pre-minced garlic, the fresh version provides a superior aroma and taste that really makes this dish special. If convenience is key, opt for the jarred version, but be mindful of the intensity and sweetness as it may differ slightly from fresh cloves.
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What other herbs can be used besides parsley?
Feel free to experiment with other herbs like basil or oregano for different flavor profiles. They add a new dimension and will pair beautifully with the garlic butter base.
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How can I prevent my pasta sauce from being too oily?
Ensure you’re emulsifying the sauce well by adding pasta water gradually and stirring continuously. The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce, preventing it from separating and becoming oily.
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Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for that cheesy taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soul-soothing meal that’s simple yet exhilarating, this Garlic Butter Pasta is just waiting to be loved. Its heartwarming flavors and ease of preparation make it a staple that deserves a permanent spot on your dinner table. Gather your ingredients, and let the magic unfold!
Print
Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A quick and delicious garlic butter pasta recipe that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made with garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese. Ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (225 g) dried pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or any other long or short pasta
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons (52 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (43 g) grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, add a generous amount of salt, then add the pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta and create a sauce. Stir in the remaining butter and grated parmesan until melted and well combined.
- Finish the Dish: Remove from heat. Add chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
- The recommended portion of pasta per person is 2-3oz (60-85 grams).
- Salt the boiling water generously to ensure the pasta is flavorful, similar to sea water.
- You may not need to use all of the reserved pasta water; add gradually to adjust the sauce consistency.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- This recipe can be customized with added proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
