Description
This restaurant-quality garlic butter pasta recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into an aromatic, silky dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food that feels special.
Ingredients
What You’ll Need:
1 lb spaghetti or linguine
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
6-8 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
1 cup reserved pasta water
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Here’s How to Make It:
Bring large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta until al dente
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in large skillet over medium-low heat
Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden
Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining pasta
Add drained pasta to skillet with garlic butter
Add remaining 2 tablespoons cold butter and toss vigorously
Gradually add pasta water until sauce is silky and coats pasta
Season with salt, pepper, and add fresh parsley and cheese
Serve immediately while hot
Notes
Things to Remember:
Use room temperature butter for smoother incorporation
Don’t skip the pasta water – it’s essential for proper sauce consistency
Cook garlic on medium-low heat to prevent burning
Fresh garlic works much better than pre-minced varieties
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Mediterranean Dinner Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian/Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg