Garlic Butter Pasta
A quick and flavorful comfort food dish featuring pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for any busy weeknight or special occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced Adjust to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional, but highly recommended
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta directly to the pan with the garlic butter.
- Toss gently to coat the pasta well. If the sauce needs a little moisture, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Seasoning and Serving
- Taste and then season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.
- If you're a cheese lover, now's the time to stir in the Parmesan cheese!
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use quality ingredients for best flavor. Don’t overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.