If you’re craving comfort wrapped in delicious simplicity, this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is your answer! Combining the velvety richness of butter with the aromatic essence of garlic and a sprinkle of parmesan, this dish will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a quick dinner after a long day or a cozy meal with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosions: The garlic butter sauce is a symphony of flavors that coat each pasta strand beautifully.
Customizable: With endless variations, tailor it to your personal taste or dietary needs effortlessly.
Family Favorite: Loved by adults and kids alike, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table.

Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about making this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is how you can create something so delightful with just a handful of ingredients. Each component, from the buttery richness to the sharp parmesan, plays a crucial role in making this dish shine.

Pasta: Use any type; spaghetti or linguine are favorites for their texture.
Unsalted Butter: Provides the creamy base without overpowering sodium.
Garlic: Fresh slices add an enticing aroma and flavor.
Ground Black Pepper: Enhances the sauce with a hint of heat.
Salt: Brings out the natural flavors in both pasta and sauce.
Grated Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish.
Fresh Parsley: Brings a touch of color and freshness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is so versatile; it’s practically begging for you to make it your own. Whether you’re swapping out ingredients or adding a few extras, customization has never been this delicious.

Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for added substance and flavor.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and texture.
Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, seasoning it generously with salt to simulate sea water. Add your pasta of choice and cook until just al dente. Remember to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat, allowing the garlic to infuse its wonderful aroma into the softened butter. Next, add the pasta and a splash of reserved water, tossing the pasta until it’s glossy and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 3: Finish the Dish

Remove from heat and incorporate the remaining butter and grated parmesan, letting them melt into the sauce. Toss in the vibrant parsley, taste, and season with additional salt if necessary. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of additional parmesan.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Perfect Pasta: Always reserve some pasta water. Its starchiness is essential for the sauce’s creamy texture.
Garlic to Perfection: Be cautious not to scorch the garlic. Burnt garlic can impart an unpleasant bitterness.
Butter Bliss: Use high-quality butter for the best flavor results.
Cheese Choice: Grate your parmesan fresh; pre-grated simply doesn’t offer the same creamy melt.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Top with more fresh parsley for a pop of green or a twist of lemon zest for brightness. A crack of black pepper or a light dusting of red pepper flakes adds a little extra zing!

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables to balance the pasta’s richness. A side of garlic bread is always a hit for sopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, twirl the pasta using a large fork and serve it as a neatly spiraled nest. Use a colorful platter to make the dish appear as vibrant as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it’s completely cooled before sealing the container to maintain its quality.

Freezing

This pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be frozen. Allow it to cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency and prevent the pasta from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter with a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a delicious dairy-free rendition.
What types of pasta work best for this recipe?

While spaghetti and linguine are traditional choices, any pasta shape that can capture the delicious sauce will work beautifully—think penne, fusilli, or fettuccine.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

The starch in pasta water helps emulsify your sauce, making it creamy and allowing it to adhere better to the pasta.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl, simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for guests. Whether you’re a busy bee or a culinary artist, it welcomes everyone to savor its delightful flavors. Go ahead, give it a try – your next favorite dish is only minutes away!

Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 92 reviews

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This garlic butter pasta recipe is a quick and delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with parmesan and fresh parsley, this comforting meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

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

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a generous amount of salt (like seawater), then add the pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated and saucy. Add the remaining butter and grated parmesan, stirring until melted and well combined.
Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in chopped parsley, and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Toss well, then serve hot, topped with extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

The recommended portion of pasta per person is 2-3oz (60-85 grams).
Salt the water generously to ensure the pasta is flavorful, like seawater.
You might not need to use all of the reserved pasta water; add gradually to reach your preferred sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (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