Description
This Garlic Butter Pasta recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a rich and aromatic butter garlic sauce, complemented by freshly grated parmesan cheese and vibrant parsley. Easy to make and incredibly comforting, it’s a quick pasta dish that highlights simple ingredients for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225 g) dried pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or any other long or short pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Butter Garlic Sauce
- 4 tablespoons (52 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, sliced
Toppings
- ½ cup (43 g) grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a medium-sized saucepot, bring water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté garlic in butter: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and sauté very lightly until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the hot drained pasta to the skillet along with some reserved pasta water. Toss using kitchen tongs to create a thick, glossy sauce that coats the noodles. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and continue tossing until melted. Add more pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, tossing continuously to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Serve warm with extra parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
- Don’t overcook the garlic; lightly sautéing enhances flavor without bitterness.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Parsley adds freshness, but you can substitute with basil or omit if preferred.
- This recipe works well with any short or long pasta variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
