Simple & Delicious Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic Butter Pasta: A classic dish that has been loved by many for its simplicity and flavor. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss of complex ingredients or techniques. Whether you're hosting friends over or simply having dinner at home, this pasta dish will impress everyone.

The cooking time for this garlic butter pasta is approximately 20 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights when you want to put a delicious meal on the table quickly. The total preparation time is around 15 minutes, and the number of servings can be adjusted depending on how much garlic butter pasta you and your family enjoy.

Ingredients

400g (14 oz) spaghetti or another type of pasta
2 cloves of garlic, minced finely
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Pasta cooking: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, which is when the pasta has a slight bite but isn't hard or overcooked.

Cooking the Garlic Butter Sauce

While the pasta cooks: In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant and golden brown but not burned. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Be careful with the garlic as it can easily burn, which would give your pasta an unpleasant bitter taste.

Add salt and dried parsley into the saucepan and stir well to combine.
When the pasta is ready, reserve about a cup of the starchy water from the cooking process. Drain the pasta but don't rinse it immediately.
Return the drained pasta back into the pot or pan where you have your garlic butter sauce on low heat and add in the reserved pasta water.
Mix everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the garlic butter sauce. Taste to see if additional salt, pepper, or herbs are needed.

Serving Suggestions

For a more authentic Italian experience, serve this pasta hot right after mixing it in the pan.
To make it even more appealing, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of each portion before serving. This will add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your dish.

Garlic butter pasta is versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes like mixed greens salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully well with white wine or lemonade, which complements its robust flavors beautifully.

Storage & Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on low heat so that the pasta doesn't become soggy and loses its texture. Alternatively, you can freeze it if you're looking at making it last longer. Simply wrap your cooled pasta well before freezing.

This garlic butter pasta recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s also a great way to use up any extra ingredients like garlic or dried herbs that may have been lying around in the fridge or pantry. It encourages creativity and resourcefulness, qualities many home cooks strive for when trying out new recipes at home.

Conclusion

Cooking a simple yet delicious garlic butter pasta is not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. Its rich flavors and easy preparation make it suitable for beginners as well as experienced chefs alike. Whether you're serving this dish to family members or friends, they will surely appreciate the effort you've put into preparing such an appetizing meal.

Give this recipe a try next time you crave something comforting yet flavorful. You can find this simple recipe easy to follow and the results are always impressive!