Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic Butter Pasta

 

This classic recipe proves that the best dishes don't need to be complicated. Fresh garlic, quality butter, and freshly grated Parmesan come together to create a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It's comfort food at its finest.Garlic butter pasta in cream floral bowl

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Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti noodles or noodles of your choice)
  • 4 tablespoons butter (salted)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Essential Tools

  • Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Skillet or Sauté Pan
  • Colander
  • Tongs or Pasta Fork
  • Cheese Grater

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Season Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a creamy coating.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Add extra Parmesan at the table if desired.

 

Tips for Success

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan
    • Pre-grated cheese won't melt as smoothly into the sauce
  • Don't skip the pasta water
    • The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta
  • Watch the garlic carefully
    • Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so keep the heat at medium and cook just until fragrant
  • Serve immediately
    • This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot from the pan

Pro Baker's Secrets

  • Quality ingredients matter: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, use the best butter and freshest Parmesan you can find - it makes a huge difference in flavor
  • Pasta water is liquid gold: The starchy pasta cooking water is the secret to restaurant-quality sauce. It helps emulsify the butter and cheese into a creamy coating
  • Timing is everything: Have everything prepped before you start cooking. This dish comes together quickly, and you want to serve it immediately for the best texture

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Perfect for: Quick weeknight dinners, side dishes, date night at home, or when you're craving Italian comfort food without the fuss.

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