Garlic Butter Pasta
Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. This quick and simple recipe uses pantry staples to create a comforting, satisfying meal that can be customized for various diets and preferences.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and olive oil together. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Season and Finish: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix well and fold in chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Always use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
- Choose unsalted, high-quality butter for creaminess and salt control.
- Cook pasta until al dente to maintain texture.
- Use reserved pasta water gradually to emulsify the sauce.
- Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/3 of recipe)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: garlic butter pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, creamy pasta, garlic pasta, vegetarian pasta