Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe for Quick Meals
Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender pasta tossed in a velvety garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect as a standalone meal or a versatile side dish. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a family favorite that’s ready in under 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course / Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Stir in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Pasta Choices: Long noodles like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best, but any pasta will do.
- Creamier Option: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
- Add Protein: Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- Make it Vegan: Use dairy-free butter and skip the Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.
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