How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta: A Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a classic dish that never goes out of style. With its rich and savory flavors, this pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or elegant family gatherings.

This creamy garlic butter pasta is simple to make yet impressive in taste. The key ingredients include penne pasta, garlic cloves, olive oil, parmesan cheese, cream, and fresh parsley. These components combine to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta strands for an unparalleled culinary experience.

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta (300 grams)
• 4-5 Garlic Cloves
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• Cream (1 cup)
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (to taste)
• Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta. First and foremost, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne pasta according to package instructions until it's al dente. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta once it is cooked but make sure you reserve about a cup of the starchy water before turning off the heat.

Step 2: Make Garlic Butter Sauce. While the pasta cooks, finely mince four to five garlic cloves and set aside for later use in the sauce. In a medium-sized skillet over medium-low heat, combine olive oil with the minced garlic. Let it simmer until fragrant but careful not to burn the garlic; this should take around 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Cream and Cheese. Once the garlic has softened slightly, gradually pour in a cup of cream. Stir continuously while incorporating grated parmesan cheese into your mixture until the sauce reaches the desired consistency – creamy yet not too runny. If needed, you can add some reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness.

Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce. Add the cooked penne back into the skillet containing the garlic butter cream mixture. Gently fold everything together until each strand of pasta is thoroughly coated in the warm, rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste if necessary. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch of green freshness.

Cooking Time & Servings

The total cooking time for this recipe is about 30 minutes, including preparation stages such as boiling the pasta and making the garlic butter sauce. The dish serves four to six people depending on individual appetites; however, you can easily scale up or down based on your needs.

Tips & Variations

• Use Different Pasta Shapes: While penne is traditional for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like fusilli or spirals if you prefer varying the texture and appearance of your meal.
• Incorporate Other Vegetables: Add some vegetables such as sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the mix when combining the garlic butter sauce with the pasta for added nutrients and color.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The calorie count of each serving depends on portion sizes but generally, this dish contains approximately 500-600 calories per serving. It also provides a good source of protein from the pasta along with essential vitamins and minerals found in garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta stands out among other pasta dishes for its simplicity paired with rich flavors. Whether you are looking to whip up something quick during a busy weeknight or impress guests at dinner parties, this recipe caters well to both scenarios. Its affordability and versatility make it an excellent choice for home cooks aiming to enhance their culinary skills while enjoying delicious meals.

Remember, cooking doesn't have to be complicated - sometimes the simplest recipes yield the most rewarding results. So why not try your hand at making Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta today? You might just discover a new favorite dish!