Name: Simple Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 oz dried spaghetti; 3-4 cloves garlic (minced); 4 tablespoons butter (divided); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/4 cup parsley (finely chopped); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti until firm to the bite (al dente) according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic, saute very lightly.
3
Add drained, cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water; toss to coat. Add the remaining butter. Keep on tossing and add more pasta water if needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
4
Remove from heat, and add freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss continuously. Transfer to serving bowl and top with extra grated parmesan cheese.

About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, incredibly satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? This simple garlic butter pasta recipe is your answer for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner that truly delivers.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a testament to the power of high-quality, straightforward ingredients. It strips down classic comfort food to its delicious core, relying on the robust, pungent flavor of fresh garlic and the rich, velvety texture of melted butter. The magic here is in how these few elements combine to create a deeply flavorful sauce that beautifully coats every strand of pasta, proving that minimal ingredients can indeed deliver maximum taste. It's an effortlessly elegant dish perfect for any occasion.

What to Expect

Get ready for a delightful sensory experience. You'll enjoy tender, perfectly al dente spaghetti enveloped in a luxurious, aromatic garlic-infused butter sauce. Each forkful offers a harmonious blend of savory richness from the butter, a gentle pungency from the garlic, and a nutty, salty depth from the Parmesan cheese. The finely chopped fresh parsley adds a vibrant burst of color and a refreshing herbaceous counterpoint, lifting the entire dish. This pasta is wonderfully creamy, deeply comforting, and easy to love, making it a staple you'll turn to again and again.

Customization & Variations

You can easily make this simple garlic butter pasta your own.

For extra protein, consider stirring in cooked shrimp, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even a can of drained cannellini beans at the end.
To add more vegetables, wilt in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or baby arugula, or toss in some quickly sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.
If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil, chives, or oregano for a varied aromatic profile.

Serving & Context

This inviting garlic butter pasta is ideal for a cozy dinner at home, pairing beautifully with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to sop up every last drop of the luscious sauce. It also makes an excellent, fuss-free side dish to a variety of main courses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Simple Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients

Directions