Description
A simple and delicious Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that combines tender spaghetti with a fragrant garlic butter sauce, freshly grated Parmesan, and a hint of parsley. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any time.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Reserved pasta water, as needed (about 1 cup)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until it reaches your desired tenderness, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta well.
- Melt the Butter and Cook Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons of salted butter in a large pan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Toss Pasta in Garlic Butter: Add the drained pasta directly to the pan with the garlic butter. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta with the flavorful butter sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue tossing the pasta to fully incorporate the cheese into the butter.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing as you go, until the sauce becomes glossy and silky, perfectly clinging to the noodles.
- Season to Taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference, mixing well to distribute the seasoning.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and, if desired, add extra Parmesan on top. Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps create a smooth and velvety sauce by loosening the Parmesan and butter mixture.
- Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
- Feel free to swap spaghetti for other pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of heavy cream when melting the butter.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens as it cools.
