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Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic Butter Pasta
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Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and easy dish combining creamy butter and aromatic garlic to create a rich, comforting sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Ready in under 20 minutes and made with simple pantry ingredients, this versatile recipe can be customized with proteins, vegetables, or herbs for endless delicious variations. Its luscious, savory flavor makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine or your choice)

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, taking care not to burn it to avoid bitterness.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it together with the garlic butter. Gradually mix in some reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a silky, smooth sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
  4. Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir well to melt it into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired to balance the richness and brighten the flavor.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish by sprinkling with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately for the best creamy, garlicky flavor with a touch of freshness.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced for best flavor and aroma.
  • Cook garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce bind smoothly to the noodles.
  • Invest in good quality unsalted butter and Parmesan cheese for a rich, authentic taste.
  • Toss the pasta with the sauce off the heat to prevent butter from breaking or separating.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, garlic pasta, simple pasta sauce

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/garlic-butter-pasta/