Description
This Garlic Butter Pasta recipe is a quick and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of butter and garlic with tender pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features a simple yet flavorful sauce enhanced by a touch of red pepper flakes and topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a cozy meal for two, this pasta is easy to prepare and sure to melt you inside with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully melted and bubbling slightly.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Toss Pasta in Garlic Butter: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles with the garlic butter sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the pasta appears dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, creating a silky texture.
- Season: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta before serving for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it contains starch that helps create a smooth sauce.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; cook just until fragrant.
- Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Parsley adds freshness but is optional if unavailable.
