Pin this A simple yet flavorful pasta dish featuring silky noodles tossed with rich garlic-infused butter. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal on the table in minutes.
I first served this pasta on a hectic weeknight and it quickly became a family favorite thanks to its comforting taste and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) spaghetti or linguine
- Butter & Garlic: 85 g (6 tbsp) unsalted butter, 4 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- Seasoning: 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish (optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (½ cup) of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and evenly coats the noodles.
- Step 4:
- Season with salt and black pepper. Toss again to combine.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
Pin this This recipe is great for family dinners when everyone needs a warm comforting meal quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of Pinot Grigio for a complete meal.
Dietary Variations
For dairy-free options, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Use gluten-free noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
Pin this This garlic butter pasta is a quick and delicious solution perfect for busy nights but satisfying enough to feel like a special treat.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as they hold the garlic butter sauce well, but you can use any long pasta.
- → How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté minced garlic gently over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid browning.
- → What’s the purpose of the reserved pasta water?
Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps create a silky sauce that evenly coats the noodles and enhances texture.
- → Can I make this dish vegan or gluten-free?
Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of butter, and substitute with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan add fresh and savory notes, but both are optional.