Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum flavor? This creamy garlic butter pasta recipe is your answer.
With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food.
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4 people
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Pasta
This simple yet elegant pasta dish combines the rich, aromatic flavors of garlic and butter with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s incredibly versatile – serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or shrimp, or enjoy it as a satisfying vegetarian main course. The best part? It comes together in under 20 minutes!
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander for draining pasta
- Wooden spoon or pasta fork
- Garlic press or sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using fresh Parmesan)
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound (16 oz) spaghetti or linguine
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
- 12 cups water
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with 12 cups of water and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Bring water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
- Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water.
- Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add butter and let it melt completely.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- If using wine, add it now and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss pasta with tongs or a pasta fork to coat evenly.
- Add 2-4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta.
- Remove from heat and add Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 245mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 78g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Vitamin C | 8% DV |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Nutrition values are approximate and based on standard ingredient measurements.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if it browns too much. Keep the heat at medium-low and stir constantly.
Save That Pasta Water: The starchy pasta cooking water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a silky texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Serve Immediately: This pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh from the pan.
Delicious Variations
Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Add 1 pound of peeled shrimp during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking the garlic butter sauce.
Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta
Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with the Parmesan cheese for a bright, citrusy twist.
Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream after adding the pasta for an extra rich version.
Vegetable Garlic Butter Pasta
Add steamed broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of pasta water or broth to restore the creamy texture. Microwave reheating is possible but may result in a drier texture.
Freezing: While possible, pasta with butter sauce doesn’t freeze particularly well as the sauce may separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Adjust cooking times according to pasta package directions.
What if I don’t have white wine?
The wine is optional and adds depth of flavor, but you can skip it entirely or substitute with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Replace butter with olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Make sure to use plenty of water when boiling pasta and stir occasionally during cooking.
Final Thoughts
This garlic butter pasta recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s the perfect go-to meal when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this classic pasta dish never disappoints.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and simplicity. Once you master the basic technique, you can easily customize it with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or seasonings. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the most beloved pasta dishes of all time!