Irresistible Garlic Butter Pasta: A 15-Minute Delight

The aroma of garlic butter pasta wafts through the air, wrapping around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture twirling those golden, buttery noodles around your fork, glistening with olive oil and fresh herbs while the garlic dances playfully in the background. It’s a dish that makes even the most mundane evenings feel like an extravagant dinner party.

I remember the first time I made garlic butter pasta. It was a “fend for yourself” night in my college dorm, and I wanted to impress my roommate. With just a few ingredients and some questionable cooking skills, I created what might be one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had. Now, it’s our go-to recipe for cozy nights in or impromptu gatherings with friends. You’ll find that this dish not only warms your belly but also brings people together.

My friends rave about this dish every time I whip it up; they always come back for seconds (and sometimes thirds).

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type; spaghetti or fettuccine works beautifully for soaking up the garlic butter.

• Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for a robust flavor; roasting them brings out their natural sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: A must-have for controlling salt levels and achieving that luscious sauce consistency.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin adds richness; use it alongside butter for depth of flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and freshness; chopped parsley brightens each bite.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated cheese enhances creaminess; sprinkle generously before serving.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that tie all the flavors together beautifully.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Boil Your Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter along with olive oil until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1-2 minutes will do.

Toss in Fresh Parsley: Once the garlic is aromatic, stir in chopped fresh parsley and let it infuse into the butter. The vibrant green color adds visual appeal while enhancing flavor.

Add Cooked Pasta to Sauce: Drain your pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand evenly in that luxurious mixture.

Season to Perfection: Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is where you can really elevate those flavors!

Serve Hot!: Plate your glorious garlic butter pasta, then shower it with grated Parmesan cheese while it’s still hot so that it melts slightly into that buttery goodness. Enjoy immediately!

Now you’ve got yourself a plate of happiness—garlic butter pasta that’s easy enough for any weeknight yet special enough for when company comes over!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta first; while it cooks, melt your garlic in butter for optimal flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap regular pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options. Add veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive its creamy texture.

Cooking this dish reminds me of a dinner party where friends couldn’t stop raving about the garlic aroma wafting through the house. It became my go-to recipe!

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta for garlic butter pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape works; just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make garlic butter pasta healthier?

Add vegetables like broccoli or zucchini to boost nutrients without compromising flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover garlic butter pasta?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

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Garlic Butter Pasta

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With its rich buttery sauce infused with aromatic garlic and fresh parsley, this pasta dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal. Easy to prepare and versatile, it can be paired with your choice of veggies or proteins for a complete dish that will impress family and friends alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped parsley to infuse the butter with flavor.
4. Drain cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the noodles in the sauce.
5. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Plate the pasta and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese while hot; enjoy immediately!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For a healthier version, add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. Feel free to substitute regular pasta with whole grain or gluten-free options.