Irresistible Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Garlic butter pasta is a dish that dances on your taste buds and wraps around you like a warm, cozy blanket. Imagine the intoxicating aroma of sizzling garlic mingling with rich butter, creating a symphony of flavors that beckons you to take just one more bite. Each twirl of pasta glistens under the golden hue, promising an experience that’s not just delicious but downright heavenly.

This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of evenings spent with friends, arms filled with laughter and good food. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering, garlic butter pasta transforms any occasion into a cozy feast. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing!

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was! We practically licked the plates clean.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Choose your favorite pasta type; both hold sauce beautifully for maximum flavor.

• Fresh Garlic: Use 4-5 cloves for the best aromatic punch; fresh garlic elevates the overall taste.

• Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness and enhance the sauce’s richness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for an irresistible salty finish that complements the pasta perfectly.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

• Salt and Pepper: Season generously to elevate all flavors to their peak potential.

• Lemon Juice (optional): A squeeze of lemon brightens up the dish remarkably if you want some zing!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Boil Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti or fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sauté Garlic in Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden brown—about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it; burnt garlic is no friend!

Toss in Pasta: Once your pasta is cooked, reserve some cooking water before draining it. Add drained pasta directly into your garlic-butter skillet along with a splash of reserved water.

Add Cheese and Seasoning: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta while tossing everything together until well coated. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste—don’t skimp here!

Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley for freshness. If using lemon juice, add now for that zesty lift!

Plate It Up!: Serve immediately while hot! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy—and who doesn’t love fancy?

Now you’re ready to dig into this delightful plate of goodness! Enjoy every single bite as you savor those garlicky blissful moments.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta according to package instructions while melting the butter in a separate pan. Once cooked, toss the drained pasta directly into the buttery goodness along with sautéed garlic. This ensures every noodle gets coated in that rich flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition. You can also switch up the cheese; try parmesan or pecorino for a different flavor twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and flavorful.

Cooking this garlic butter pasta always brings back memories of my college days when I’d whip it up late at night after studying. Friends would come over, and within minutes, we’d be laughing over bowls of buttery noodles, savoring every bite.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for garlic butter pasta?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well, just adjust cooking times as needed.

What can I add to make this dish more filling?

Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein and heartiness.

How do I make vegan garlic butter pasta?

Use vegan butter and nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a delicious dairy-free option.

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Garlic Butter Pasta

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Garlic butter pasta is a quick and delicious dish that combines the rich flavors of sautéed garlic and creamy butter, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water and drain the rest.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter, adding a splash of reserved cooking water.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and mix in fresh parsley and lemon juice, if desired.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan.

• Author: James
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 66g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg