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Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic Butter Pasta
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A quick, comforting, and flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that combines rich butter and fresh garlic with perfectly cooked pasta, topped with Parmesan and parsley. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with various proteins, veggies, or dairy-free alternatives.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine), cooked al dente
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing garlic)
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter (and olive oil if using). Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat each strand evenly. Gradually add reserved pasta water little by little to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
  4. Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired for brightness.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Top the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor and aroma, avoid pre-minced or powdered garlic.
  • Don’t Overcook Garlic: Sauté garlic briefly to prevent bitterness.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps form a creamy sauce when mixed with butter and cheese.
  • Warm Ingredients: Use room temperature butter and cheese for smooth melting.
  • Quality Parmesan: Grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded for richer flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal, Garlic Pasta, Butter Pasta, Italian Pasta

Find it online: https://withnora.com/garlic-butter-pasta/