Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil can be used as a substitute, but the dish will have a slightly different flavor. Butter provides a richer, creamier texture, while olive oil gives a lighter taste.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine are great choices because they allow the sauce to coat evenly. Short pasta like penne or fusilli also works well, especially for a heartier version.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over low heat and stir frequently. Garlic burns quickly at high temperatures, which can give the dish a bitter taste. If needed, remove the pan from the heat for a few seconds to cool it down.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or extra butter to revive the sauce.

Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Name: Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any preferred type); 4 tablespoons butter, divided; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); Salt and ground black pepper, to taste; ¾ cup reserved pasta water; Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Description

Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and easy meal made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The rich, silky sauce coats each strand of pasta perfectly, making it a comforting yet effortless dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or any preferred type)
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
¾ cup reserved pasta water
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ¾ cup of the pasta cooking water to help create the sauce.
Melt the butter and cook the garlic: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently, stirring frequently. Keep the heat low to prevent burning and allow the garlic to release its aromatic flavor into the butter.
Toss the pasta with the butter mixture: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Using kitchen tongs, toss the pasta to coat it evenly in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to toss until the cheese melts into the pasta.
Create a silky sauce: Pour in small amounts of the reserved pasta water, a few spoonfuls at a time, stirring continuously. This helps create a glossy, creamy sauce that clings to the noodles. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and toss again for extra richness.
Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and ground black pepper as needed. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.

Notes

Do not rinse the pasta after draining. The starch on the noodles helps the sauce cling better.
If the pasta looks too dry, add a little more reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or butter.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Europea

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 362
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 304mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 39mg