Description
Garlic Butter Pasta: A quick and comforting dish featuring al dente spaghetti coated in a rich and creamy garlic butter sauce. Irresistible!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best)
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook until 1-2 minutes short of al dente according to package directions. Before draining, carefully reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare your garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely until it begins to foam. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: When the pasta is almost done, transfer it directly from the water to the skillet using tongs or a pasta fork. This brings along some pasta water naturally, which is beneficial. Add about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and toss everything vigorously to coat the pasta. The starchy water will emulsify with the butter, creating a silky sauce.
- Step 4: Continue cooking the Garlic Butter Pasta for 1-2 minutes, tossing constantly until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly and coats each strand. If the mixture seems dry, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a glossy, cohesive sauce.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and immediately add most of the Parmesan cheese, tossing until melted. Add the lemon juice if using, and taste for seasoning, adding salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan adds saltiness, so adjust accordingly.
- Step 6: Serve your Garlic Butter Pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The heat of the pasta will slightly wilt the parsley, releasing its aroma and adding a fresh contrast to the rich, buttery sauce.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 315mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg