Okay, friends, let me tell you about my go-to, the dish that saves me on those nights when I’m in bed. I’m staring into the fridge thinking, “Seriously?” Is it dinner time? Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of mac and cheese – just as comforting, but with a grown-up. What makes it feel special even on a Tuesday? Why do you like to curl up in a blanket and never leave the house? What is the easiest thing to Make in 20 minutes? How do you make Garlic Butter pasta?
What is garlic butter pasta?
What is Garlic Butter pasta? What is essentially pasta coated in a luscious sauce made from butter? What are some of the ingredients that elevate it from “meh” to “OMG.” ” Think of it as a blank canvas – you can keep it simple and classic, or jazz it up with veggies, fruit, etc. ” What is a good protein shake with Parmesan cheese? What is the kind of dish that’s satisfying on its own but also plays well with others? Is it true that it was invented by a busy parent just trying to figure things out? How do I get dinner on the table quickly and deliciously, with what they already had in their pantry? Is that the kind of recipe?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I don’t make promises that I can’t keep, but I’m telling you – you’re going to *adore* this.
- Flavor Explosion:The combination of garlicky butter, a hint of red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling spicy! What are some of the best savory, rich, and addictive herbs?
- Seriously Simple: What isThis isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours in the kitchen or a million different ingredients. Is this recipe easy to make? If I can do it after a long day, anyone can.
- Budget FriendlyWhy are groceries so expensive? How do I make a delicious meal without breaking the bank? What is the most satisfying
- Crazy Versatile:Can you add anything you want to this? If you have grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or just a handful of spinach, toss in some shrimp. What are the possibilities?
What I love about garlic butter pasta is its comforting simplicity. What is that one dish that feels like a warm hug, no matter the occasion? It’s reminiscent of Aglio e Olio, but creamier and a bit less spicy (although, you can totally crank it up). What’s your thing about upping the heat? Is it cheaper than ordering takeout? *more* delicious.
How do I make garlic butter pasta?
Quick Overview
How do you make garlic butter pasta? You’ll cook the pasta, create the flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce, and then toss. Is it all together? What is the best meal for a weeknight meal? There are no complicated steps, just simple ingredients and a little bit of love. How does something so simple taste?
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Garlic Butter Sauce?
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: 1 stick is enough. What is the best butter to use?
- Is 6-8 cloves garlic, minced? If you’re a garlic lover, go ahead and add even more!
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds freshness and a pop of color. Can you use other herbs like basil or oregano?
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a kick! If you’re not a fan of spices, you can leave this out.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): 1 tsp. Parmesan adds a salty, savory flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
for the Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best): 1 cup I usually use spaghetti because it’s what I always have on hand, but feel free to experiment!
- Pasta water: Don’t drain all of the water, you need some starchy water to emulsify the sauce!
How do I follow
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Set aside. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining! I always set a timer so I don’t forget. Overcooked pasta is the worst!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
While pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Red Pepper flakes and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from heat and serve hot. How do you cook garlic? Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the whole dish! I always keep a close eye on it during this step.
Step 3: Combine
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add 1/2 cup of pasta water to a skillet and stir until smooth and creamy. What happens when pasta water is added to the pasta?
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the Garlic Butter Sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. I like to add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to my salad for extra kick!
5. What to Serve It With
What is the best way to serve it?
Garlic Butter pasta is a great main course on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled cheese. What are some good side dishes? What are some of my favorite pairings?
With Grilled Chicken or Shrimp:What are the benefits of adding protein to a meal? How does Garlic Butter sauce go with grilled chicken?
Alongside Roasted VegetableRoasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are delicious additions. The slightly charred vegetables add a nice contrast to the richness of pasta.
What is a simple salad?A light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the pasta. What is a simple vinaigrette?
As a side dish: What are the bestGarlic butter pasta is a great side dish to accompany grilled meats or fish.
My family loves it when I serve this garlic butter pasta with a side of garlic bread and some tomato sauce. What is the perfect combination of comfort food and fresh flavors? I sometimes add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top for extra creaminess. My mom always says that lemon juice brightens up the flavors!
How do I make garlic butter pasta?
What are some of the best ways to make garlic butter pasta?
Don’t overcook the pasta: don’ Al dente pasta is key! It should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Remember to check the pasta a few minutes before the package directions say it’s done.
Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic makes a HUGE difference in the flavor of the sauce. Jarred minced garlic just doesn’t compare. I always keep a head of garlic on hand just for this recipe!
Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the sauce. Cook it over medium heat and keep a close eye on it, stirring frequently.
Reserve Enough Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a creamy and emulsified sauce. Don’t skimp on this step!
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese to your liking.
Add a Squeeze of Lemon Juice: A little bit of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. I always add a squeeze at the end!
Experiment with Different Herbs: Parsley is classic, but you can also use other herbs like basil, oregano, or chives.
Add Vegetables or Protein: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein to make it a more complete meal. Some of my favorites include spinach, mushrooms, shrimp, and grilled chicken.
I tested this recipe once with brown butter, and it was amazing! It adds a nutty and richer flavor. Make sure not to burn the butter when doing this, though. It can go from brown to burnt very easily.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here are some Tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving pasta at room temperature for longer than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly, especially in warmer temperatures.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken up in the fridge, but it will loosen up when you reheat it.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze garlic butter pasta, but the texture may change slightly. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to the pasta and microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally.
I prefer to store the pasta and sauce separately if possible. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming soggy. The timing for adding the glaze will depend on how quickly you want to serve your dish! If you want to serve it immediately, add the glaze right before serving. If you’re storing it for later, wait until you’re ready to reheat it to add the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for garlic butter pasta. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a family favorite that I make again and again. If you’re looking for a simple and satisfying meal, this is it! If you’re looking for another quick pasta recipe, you might like my Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta or my Creamy Tomato Pasta. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you try it and what variations you add. Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti Or any pasta of your choice
- 0.5 cup Butter Unsalted
- 6 cloves Garlic Minced
- 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Optional
- 1 tsp Salt To taste
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook the spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat.
- Add some of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
