Name: Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti; Water, for boiling; Kosher salt, for pasta water; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

I make this garlic butter pasta when I want something quick, comforting, and full of flavor without much effort. The combination of buttery garlic sauce, fresh parsley, and parmesan creates a simple yet rich dish that works perfectly as a main meal or an easy side.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces spaghetti

water, for boiling

kosher salt, for pasta water

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. I add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, I reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

While the pasta cooks, I melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. I add the minced garlic and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until it becomes fragrant and soft without browning. Then I remove it from the heat and mix in the salt, black pepper, and parsley.

I pour the garlic butter sauce over the drained pasta and toss everything together. I gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, until the pasta looks glossy and evenly coated.

Next, I add the parmesan cheese and toss again until everything is well combined. I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, I divide the pasta into bowls and finish with extra parmesan and parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

I prepare this recipe in about 30 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. This recipe makes 4 servings, and each serving is approximately 369 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp when I want to make it more filling. For a bit of heat, I like to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. I can also swap parsley for basil for a different flavor, or add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of water or a small piece of butter to help loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

I often switch spaghetti with linguine, fettuccine, or even short pasta like penne, and it works just as well.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

I make sure to cook the garlic on medium heat and stir frequently. I also remove it from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant.

What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?

I sometimes use pecorino romano for a sharper flavor or even a mix of cheeses depending on what I have.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

I replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast.

Why is pasta water important?

I find that pasta water helps create a silky sauce because of the starch it contains, making the pasta more cohesive and glossy.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this garlic butter pasta because it is simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying. It proves that a few basic ingredients can come together to create something rich and comforting, making it one of my favorite go-to meals.

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