Description
This crave-worthy garlic butter pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, accented by optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter to prepare the sauce base.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter and toss thoroughly to coat all strands evenly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pasta appears dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta before serving for added richness and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Use a high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic as it can turn bitter if browned.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency and enhance the texture.
- Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger servings.
