Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

When you’re craving something comforting, quick, and supremely satisfying, nothing beats a bowl of Garlic Butter Pasta. This classic recipe is all about silky noodles drenched in a savory, buttery garlic sauce, finished with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh parsley—absolute weeknight bliss!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Garlic Butter Pasta is how it turns just a few humble ingredients into something truly craveable! Every component plays an essential role, from the glossy noodles to the aromatic garlic and that irresistible cheesy finish.

• Dried Pasta (8 ounces): Classic long noodles like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, but use what you love—short shapes catch the buttery sauce, too!
• Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): The secret to that rich, luxurious mouthfeel. Divide it for proper sauteing and finishing.
• Fresh Garlic (3 cloves, sliced): Sautéed just until fragrant, the garlic infuses the butter and carries the whole dish.
• Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and brings out the flavors of the cheese and butter.
• Salt (1 teaspoon for pasta water): Properly salted water seasons your pasta from the inside out—don’t skip this step!
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Brings a salty, nutty finish that clings perfectly to every strand.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley (¼ cup): Brightens the plate with freshness and color—totally worth a quick chop.

Variations

The beauty of Garlic Butter Pasta is that it’s a blank canvas for additions or tweaks. Don’t be afraid to play and make this dish your own—it’s endlessly adaptable for any palate or pantry.

• Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Make It Protein-Packed: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to turn this into a hearty main dish.
• Go Gluten-Free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta—the garlic butter and cheese work their magic on any noodle!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon for a subtle kick and a fresh twist.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a medium-sized pot of water to a rolling boil. Be generous with the salt—you want the water to taste like the sea as this helps flavor the pasta itself. Add your chosen noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced garlic and gently sauté just until the garlic is soft and fragrant—not browned! This delicate step infuses the butter with loads of flavor without turning the garlic bitter.

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Now, add your drained pasta right into the skillet with the garlic butter. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water and use tongs to toss everything together, allowing the sauce to coat each noodle. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and keep tossing until it melts and the sauce becomes silky—add more pasta water if you want a looser consistency.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat and shower your pasta with freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped parsley. Toss one last time to marry the flavors, taste for seasoning, add extra salt if you fancy, and serve your Garlic Butter Pasta warm with more parmesan on top. Pure bliss!

How to Serve Garlic Butter Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of extra parmesan is always welcome! Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few cracks of fresh black pepper to make your Garlic Butter Pasta look as appetizing as it tastes. For a pop of color, try lemon zest or red pepper flakes on top.

Side Dishes

This dish is so versatile! Pair Garlic Butter Pasta with a crisp green salad, garlicky roasted broccoli, or warm, crusty bread for sopping up every bit of buttery sauce. A glass of chilled white wine wouldn’t go amiss, either!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pasta in a large family-style bowl for everyone to help themselves, or twirl individual portions into nests and top each with a parsley sprig and parmesan shard for a restaurant-style presentation. For parties, mini portions in small cups are always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Garlic Butter Pasta left (trust me, it disappears quickly!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers pure lunch gold.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish—the pasta and sauce tend to separate and lose their luscious texture when thawed. Fresh is best, and with such easy prep, it’s no trouble to make a new batch!

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between and adding a bit more water if needed, until hot and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to savor your own bowl of Garlic Butter Pasta! With its simple ingredients and amazing flavor, it’s the sort of recipe you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try and let it become a staple at your dinner table!

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