Simple & Flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Keyword: garlic butter pasta

If you're looking for a quick and delicious meal that can be whipped up in no time, then garlic butter pasta is the perfect choice! This simple yet satisfying dish offers a burst of flavor with minimal effort. Garlic butter pasta not only satisfies your cravings but also provides essential nutrients like protein from the eggs used in making the egg noodles.

This recipe yields about 4 servings and can be prepared within 20 minutes, depending on how quickly you chop the garlic and cook the pasta. It's a versatile dish that pairs well with various proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal or served on its own as a light dinner.

Ingredients

3 cups of uncooked egg noodles (spaghettini works great)
1 clove garlic, minced finely
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the uncooked egg noodles and stir occasionally so they don't stick together while cooking.
In the meantime, take another pan or skillet and heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it's warm enough, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not yet browned—about one minute.
Once your pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite), drain it thoroughly by pouring out all excess water from the pot into a colander. Be careful when handling hot pasta!
Return the drained pasta back into the same pot and mix in 1 more tablespoon of olive oil along with the freshly chopped garlic. Stir gently until everything is combined.
To serve, plate the garlic butter noodles onto individual plates or bowls. Garnish each portion with some fresh parsley if you have it handy; otherwise, this dish looks fantastic without garnish too!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
Fat Content: Saturated fats are minimal due to the olive oil used for cooking
Carbohydrates: High content from egg noodles, which is ideal if you're following a weight loss diet but looking for comfort food options
Protein Source: Comes mainly from eggs in the pasta dough itself along with optional protein additions like grilled chicken or shrimp.

This recipe allows you to customize according to your preferences. You could try adding more garlic for extra flavor, substituting different types of pasta such as fusilli instead of spaghetti, or even incorporating other vegetables like peas or bell peppers into the mix if desired. The sky's the limit when it comes to variations!

Additional Tips

Fresh vs Dried Garlic: While fresh garlic adds more depth and complexity to your dish, you can substitute it with pre-minced garlic cloves from a jar or even powder form if necessary. Just ensure that the quantity is adjusted accordingly.
Pasta Choice: Feel free to experiment with different pastas such as fusilli, penne, or evenzoa (a type of wide ribbon pasta) for variety in texture and presentation.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully well with grilled chicken breasts or shrimp. A simple Caesar salad on the side can add freshness while balancing out the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pasta?
Yes! If you prefer convenience over making your own egg noodles, you can certainly use store-bought varieties. However, keep in mind that homemade pasta will have a slightly different texture and flavor than commercial products.
What should I do if the garlic turns black?
If any part of the garlic browns during cooking, remove it immediately to prevent bitterness from affecting the entire dish. Remember, garlic should remain golden brown for optimal taste without burning!
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta ahead and refrigerate or freeze it before adding the garlic butter mixture. Just reheat gently when you're ready to eat.

Closing Thoughts

Garlic butter pasta is a versatile, flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights as well as special occasions. Its simplicity and adaptability make it an excellent choice whether you're preparing meals for yourself or entertaining guests. So why wait? Give this recipe a try today and experience the joy of homemade comfort food!