This Garlic Butter Pasta is buttery, garlicky, and bursting with flavor — made with just a handful of ingredients in under 20 minutes. It’s comfort food at its simplest and best.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
🌟 Why You’ll Love It:
- 5 ingredients, 15 minutes
- Budget-friendly and pantry-based
- Great solo meal or base for shrimp, veggies, or chicken
- Easily made vegetarian or vegan
- Kid-approved & weeknight-ready
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works well)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large skillet or pan
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Pasta Water
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the pasta. Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, about 1/4 cup at a time, while tossing, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. The starchy pasta water helps to create a smooth and emulsified sauce.
Step 4: Add Parsley and Season
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together to combine.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the Garlic Butter Pasta immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Creamier sauce? Add 1 tbsp cream cheese or mascarpone.
✔ No heavy cream? Use evaporated milk or full-fat coconut milk.
✔ Extra flavor – Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest or truffle oil at the end.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- Protein boost: Top with grilled shrimp, chicken, or mushrooms.
- Veggie twist: Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Bread pairing: Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping.
📊 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: ~650 | Protein: 18g | Fat: 35g | Carbs: 65g | Fiber: 3g
🌱 Variations
- Vegan: Use olive oil + nutritional yeast + cashew cream.
- Spicy Arrabiata: Add ½ cup marinara sauce + extra chili flakes.
- Lemon Garlic: Omit cream; use ¼ cup lemon juice + 2 tbsp butter.
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