How to Make Delicious Garlic Butter Pasta: A Classic Favorite

Garlic butter pasta is a classic favorite for many families and food enthusiasts alike. This comforting dish brings together the rich flavors of garlic and butter with the perfect al dente texture of pasta. It’s simple, yet delicious! Today we’ll walk you through how to make this meal in no time at all.

Ingredients needed for 4 servings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 package of pasta (your choice, but we recommend penne or fusilli for this dish)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes from start to finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To begin making garlic butter pasta, follow these simple steps:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 10-12 minutes for most varieties).

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about one minute until it begins to turn golden brown. Take care not to burn the garlic as this can lead to an unpleasant flavor.

4. Melt the butter in the same skillet, then pour the hot garlic mixture over the pasta in the pot. Stir gently but thoroughly so that all strands of pasta are coated with the garlicky butter sauce. This will only take about 2-3 minutes once the pasta is drained and returned to the pan.

5. Season the pasta generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Freshly ground black pepper works particularly well here, adding a nice sharpness that contrasts nicely with the richness of garlic and butter.

6. If you prefer a bit more color or texture, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top just before serving.

Enhancing Your Garlic Butter Pasta Experience

Garlic butter pasta is already quite a simple yet flavorful dish. However, there are several ways to enhance it depending on your personal taste:

• If you like more heat, you could add some red pepper flakes when adding the garlic to the pan.

• A pinch of nutmeg can provide a subtle depth to this otherwise straightforward dish.

• Adding Parmesan cheese after serving also provides an extra layer of flavor that many find appealing.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This recipe makes four servings. Here’s what you can expect per person:

• Fat: ~10g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Sodium: ~800mg
• Calories: ~460

Note that these values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used. For instance, using whole grain pasta instead of regular could lower the carbohydrate content but also increase the fiber count.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta Every Time

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh garlic and good quality butter will elevate this dish significantly.
• Don't overcook your pasta: Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce better, enhancing its texture and flavor.
• Mix thoroughly: Make sure to coat every strand of pasta evenly with the garlic butter mixture for optimal enjoyment.

Garlic butter pasta is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an everyday meal or elevated into something special. Whether you're cooking it on a busy weeknight or hosting friends over, this simple recipe delivers big flavor without requiring much effort.

Taste the difference with each bite of this comforting, classic Italian favorite. Serve it alongside a fresh salad and some crusty bread for an authentic Italian dining experience right in your home kitchen!