This Easy Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick, delicious, and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights or a simple side. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 20 minutes, it delivers rich, buttery, garlicky goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Ready in no time with minimal effort.
- Rich and Flavorful: A perfect combination of garlic and butter.
- Customizable: Add protein, veggies, or spices for variety.
- Uses Pantry Staples: Made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any type you prefer)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Salt
- Black pepper
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter sauce. If the pasta looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness.
- Herb Upgrade: Use fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for extra flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan for a richer dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture of the pasta may change.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or butter to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but adjust the additional salt accordingly to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine is traditional, but any type will work.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
4. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic on medium heat and stir constantly. Remove from heat if it starts to brown too quickly.
5. Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is recommended, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.
6. What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
7. How do I make this dish spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
8. Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, replace the butter with vegan butter and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
9. How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the pasta in a bit of olive oil after draining if you’re not adding it to the sauce immediately.
10. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter mixture and reheat it before tossing with pasta.
Conclusion
Easy Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich garlic flavor and buttery texture, this pasta is sure to become a household favorite. Customize it with your favorite additions and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal in minutes!
Print
Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect as a main course or a quick side. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta water (reserved)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly golden (but not browned).
- Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using.
3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
4. Season and Serve:
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as a substitute if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.