Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Garlic butter pasta is a classic favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you're craving comfort food or just want to impress friends with your cooking skills, this simple yet delicious recipe will satisfy everyone's palate! In this article, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step so even beginners can master it.

Ingredients needed for 4 servings:

• 200 grams of spaghetti or linguine pasta
• 5-6 cloves of garlic (peeled)
• 1/3 cup of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking time: approximately 25 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Make Garlic Butter Pasta

Preparation:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti or linguine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, finely chop the garlic cloves. You can also crush them using a press if you prefer. Set aside the crushed garlic for later use.

Cooking:

3. In another smaller pan over medium heat, add 1/3 cup of olive oil and allow it to heat up slightly without letting it smoke too much. Gently sauté the garlic until golden but not browned, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it thoroughly in a colander, saving some pasta water for later if needed.
5. Return the drained pasta to the pot and immediately pour the warm garlic oil mixture over it. Toss everything together until the strands of pasta are well coated with garlicky goodness. If necessary, add more olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Add dried oregano to taste and sprinkle salt liberally over the pasta. Mix thoroughly so that every bite has an even distribution of flavors.

Garnishing & Serving:

5. If you like, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for extra color and freshness.
6. Serve hot immediately alongside a side salad or a crusty slice of bread. This dish pairs wonderfully well with both green salads and garlic bread too!

Garlic butter pasta is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as part of a main course, or simply enjoy it by itself for a light lunch or dinner. It’s especially delightful when paired with other Italian dishes like caprese salad or bruschetta.

Why Garlic Butter Pasta?

The simplicity and richness of garlic butter pasta make it an ideal choice whether you're having guests over for dinner or treating yourself to something special after a long week. The combination of the garlicky flavor, combined with the mild sweetness of freshly cooked pasta, creates a harmonious balance that will keep your family and friends coming back for more.

Health Considerations:

This dish is primarily made from whole wheat spaghetti or linguine which contributes to its high fiber content. Olive oil provides healthy fats while the addition of dried oregano adds a burst of antioxidants. However, due to the generous use of salt and olive oil, it might not be suitable for all diets. Always check nutritional labels before consuming.

Tips For Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta

• Always ensure your garlic is not overcooked; golden brown but never darkened or burned.
• Pasta should ideally be al dente to avoid it becoming soggy when combined with the garlic sauce.
• If you prefer less intense garlic flavor, reduce the quantity of garlic used proportionally. Conversely, increase it for those who love strong garlicky tastes!

Garlic butter pasta remains a timeless classic in Italian cuisine that everyone loves. Its simplicity belies its depth and complexity; a perfect balance between rich flavors and simplicity that makes it accessible to all cooks.

With just a few key ingredients and minimal effort, you too can recreate this culinary delight at home. Try experimenting with different types of pasta or adding additional seasonings like fresh basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor. Happy cooking!