This Easy Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a light lunch. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese coats your favorite pasta in a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is quick to make and only requires a few ingredients, making it a go-to dish for when you’re short on time but still craving something delicious!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pasta
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or sliced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions for Garlic Butter Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced or sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Add Parmesan and Season
- Stir in the ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the pasta is well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Pasta Choices: Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work well with this dish, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or farfalle.
- Garlic Options: For a more robust garlic flavor, you can thinly slice the garlic instead of mincing it, which will give you slightly larger pieces of garlic in the dish.
- Pasta Water: Using reserved pasta water helps create a creamy sauce, as the starch from the pasta helps bind the butter and cheese together.
Variations for Garlic Butter Pasta
1. Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
- Add the zest and juice of ½ lemon to the garlic butter sauce for a bright and tangy flavor.
2. Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
- Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream along with the Parmesan for a richer, creamier sauce.
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Add ½ pound of shrimp to the garlic butter sauce. Cook the shrimp in the butter and garlic for 2-3 minutes on each side until pink and cooked through, then toss with the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. If you do make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce.
2. What can I serve with garlic butter pasta?
Garlic butter pasta pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables. You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
3. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for the fresh parsley if that’s what you have on hand.
A Simple and Delicious Pasta Dish
This Easy Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, the combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Customize it with your favorite variations, and enjoy a delicious pasta dinner in just minutes