Can I use any type of pasta for this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Long noodles like spaghetti or linguine work beautifully, but you can also use shorter shapes like penne or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Swap out the unsalted butter for a vegan butter alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. You’ll still get that richness and cheesy flavor without dairy.

Is it important to reserve some pasta water?

Definitely! The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce that clings well to the noodles. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in texture.

Can I prepare this Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and sauce separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. However, for the best texture and flavor, I recommend serving it fresh if possible.

Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe: Quick & Irresistibly Cozy Dish

Description

This Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish combining perfectly cooked pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or a comforting lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces dried pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or any other long or short pasta

Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, sliced
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a saucepot, salt it generously to mimic sea water, add pasta, and cook until al dente, typically around 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly and create a sauce.
Add Remaining Butter and Cheese: Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the grated parmesan cheese. Toss well to combine, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, saucy consistency.
Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat. Add the chopped fresh parsley, toss gently, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, topped with additional parmesan if desired.

Notes

The recommended portion of pasta per person is 2-3 ounces (60-85 grams) for a balanced meal.
Salting the pasta water like sea water seasons the pasta thoroughly and enhances flavor.
Adjust the amount of reserved pasta water when mixing the sauce to get your desired consistency; you may not need to use all of it.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
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