Easy Garlic Butter Pasta

Are you craving a simple yet delicious pasta dish? Look no further than our easy garlic butter pasta recipe. This classic Italian favorite is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti pasta
• 3 garlic cloves, minced finely
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

To start, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Be sure not to overcook it; al dente pasta is always preferable in this dish.

While your pasta is cooking, prepare the garlic butter sauce. Melt the softened butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant but does not turn brown. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it blends well with the melted butter. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

Once your pasta has finished cooking, drain it thoroughly but reserve a small cup of the cooking water. This will help emulsify the sauce when you combine them later on.

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the pan containing the garlic butter mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the garlicky butter. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency that clings beautifully to each strand of pasta.

Cooking Time and Servings

This recipe typically takes around 20 minutes from start to finish. It serves approximately 4 people as a main course or even more if you plan to have it as part of another meal, like with some side salad on the side.

Additional Tips & Variations

• Cooking Fresh Pasta: If using fresh pasta instead of dried spaghetti, ensure to adjust cooking times accordingly. Fresh pasta cooks faster than dry ones; therefore, keep an eye on it after 2-3 minutes.
• Adding More Flavor: For added richness and depth, consider incorporating additional ingredients such as cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes right at the end of cooking before mixing in with your pasta.

The simplicity of this recipe does not mean it lacks potential. You can experiment further by adding other herbs like basil or oregano during preparation. Additionally, for those looking to make their meals more nutritious, you could replace some of the butter used here with a healthier alternative such as olive oil.

Garlic butter pasta is an excellent choice if you’re seeking a quick and satisfying meal that can be prepared in no time but still delivers big on flavor. Its creamy texture combined with bold garlic notes makes it hard not to fall in love with every bite.

Conclusion

Our easy garlic butter pasta recipe promises simplicity, deliciousness, and satisfaction. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a new culinary enthusiast, this dish is simple enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. So why wait? Try making it today and experience the joy of creating a classic Italian favorite right in your kitchen!