Irresistible Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe in 30 Minutes

Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its rich flavors and creamy texture. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked strands of pasta, drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce that makes your mouth water just thinking about it.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen is nothing short of irresistible, pulling in anyone nearby like moths to a flame. This is the kind of dish that brings comfort on a hectic weeknight or elegance to a cozy dinner with friends. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type, such as spaghetti or fettuccine; just make sure it’s al dente for the best texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for a rich flavor; this will be the star of your sauce.

• Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic cloves are essential here; they infuse the butter with that amazing flavor we all love.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds creaminess and depth; opt for fresh grated if possible for the best results.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also gives a fresh kick to balance the richness of the butter.

• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these simple ingredients enhance all the other flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember that no one likes mushy pasta!

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this will take about one minute. Seriously, let those garlicky aromas fill your kitchen!

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your pasta is cooked and drained (don’t forget to reserve some pasta water), add it straight into the skillet with your garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together gently so that each strand is coated in that heavenly buttery goodness.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta while tossing it in the skillet. The heat from the pasta will melt the cheese just enough to create a creamy consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go.

Step 5: Garnish with Fresh Parsley

Remove from heat and stir in freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color. Your dish should now look like something out of an Italian restaurant!

Step 6: Serve

Transfer your Garlic Butter Pasta to plates, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top for good measure. Enjoy this comforting meal while it’s hot—trust me; it’s worth every delectable bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta to al dente perfection. While that bubbles away, melt the garlic in buttery bliss in another pan. Then, toss in your cooked pasta to soak up all that garlicky goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the veggies or proteins based on your mood! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even grilled chicken can add a delightful twist. Experiment with spices like red pepper flakes for a kick!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy and delicious.

A funny thing happened when I first made this garlic butter pasta: my friends practically licked their plates clean! They declared it “better than therapy”—and who am I to argue with that?

FAQs:

What is the best type of pasta for Garlic Butter Pasta?

When preparing Garlic Butter Pasta, opt for types like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine. These pasta varieties hold onto the garlic butter sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Fresh pasta can elevate the dish even more, offering a delightful texture. Remember to cook the pasta al dente for the best results; this ensures it remains firm and complements the richness of the garlic butter.

Can I add vegetables to Garlic Butter Pasta?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables to Garlic Butter Pasta enhances both flavor and nutrition. Consider incorporating sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or steamed broccoli. These veggies not only bring color but also balance the richness of the garlic butter. Simply toss them in during the final stages of cooking for a delicious and nutritious twist that everyone will love.

How can I make Garlic Butter Pasta vegan?

To create a vegan version of Garlic Butter Pasta, substitute traditional butter with plant-based butter or olive oil. Use a combination of garlic, nutritional yeast, and herbs to maintain that rich flavor without any animal-derived ingredients. The result is a creamy, satisfying dish that everyone can enjoy while adhering to dietary preferences.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Pasta?

Garlic Butter Pasta pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor. Breadsticks or garlic bread also complement this dish well, allowing you to savor every drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce.

Conclusion for Garlic Butter Pasta:

Garlic Butter Pasta is an easy yet sophisticated dish that brings together simple ingredients for maximum flavor. By using alternatives like chicken broth and plant-based gelling agents when necessary, you can cater to various dietary preferences without compromising taste. Feel free to customize your dish with vegetables or protein options according to your liking. This delightful pasta recipe is sure to impress at any meal!

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Garlic Butter Pasta

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• Author: Laura Milligan
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish that beautifully marries al dente pasta with a creamy garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant gatherings, this recipe features just a few simple ingredients that come together to create an irresistible meal. The aromatic blend of fresh garlic and parsley enhances the flavors, making it a must-try for any home cook. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish that’s ready in no time!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the garlic butter sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Remove from heat and mix in chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 250g)
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes. To make it vegan, substitute butter with plant-based butter or olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.