Delicious Garlic Butter Pasta with Zucchini Noodles

Garlic butter pasta has become a favorite dish for many because it’s simple yet delicious! This classic Italian pasta dish can be made in just 20 minutes, and the taste is outstanding. You’ll need only a few ingredients to whip up this tasty meal that serves four people.

To make Garlic Butter Pasta with Zucchini Noodles, start by preparing your zucchini noodles. Thinly slice one medium zucchini lengthwise, then roll them into spirals using a vegetable peeler. For faster results, you can also use a spiral slicer or julienne knife.

For the garlic butter pasta, you'll need:

• Pasta (any type will do but we recommend penne or fusilli)
• Garlic
• Butter
• Salt
• Pepper
• Zucchini noodles
• Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish

Cooking time: 20 minutesNumber of servings: 4 people

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Paste the zucchini noodles: Boil water in a large pot and add the zucchini noodles. Cook them for about 3 minutes or until they are al dente – not too soft, but still with a bit of resistance to bite. Drain well.
2. Prepare the garlic butter sauce: Melt half a cup of butter in a pan over medium heat and add three minced cloves of garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will take away some of its flavor!
3. Cook the pasta: Boil your preferred type of pasta in salted water following the package instructions. When almost done, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the strands from sticking together.
4. Mix everything together: Drain the pasta and zucchini noodles thoroughly. Add them into the pan with the garlic butter sauce. Toss until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the flavorful sauce. Taste and add salt or pepper if necessary.
5. Garnish & serve: If desired, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each plate. Serve hot and enjoy your meal!

Why Garlic Butter Pasta with Zucchini Noodles?

This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly nutritious. It contains vital vitamins from the zucchini noodles which are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial compounds that support good health. The garlic adds a delicious flavor while being a great source of antioxidants as well.

Garlic butter pasta has become so popular because it’s a versatile dish. You can adjust flavors by adding various ingredients such as herbs (like basil or parsley), vegetables (mushrooms or cherry tomatoes), or proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. This makes Garlic Butter Pasta with Zucchini Noodles suitable for different dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan diets.

Moreover, this dish is relatively simple to prepare even if you're not a seasoned chef. With just four main ingredients—garlic, butter, salt, and pepper—you can create something amazing! Plus, you won't find many dishes that come together so quickly yet offer such satisfying results after only 20 minutes of cooking time.

Storage & Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish is best enjoyed within a few days. Store it in an airtight container inside the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for about four to five days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a pan with some butter or olive oil and warm gently until heated through.

Garlic Butter Pasta with Zucchini Noodles is also freezer-friendly. After cooking your zucchini noodles and pasta separately, combine them and portion into individual servings. Freeze these in zip-top bags or containers. To enjoy again later, simply thaw the frozen portions before reheating as described above.

Variations & Tips

Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Add a handful of spinach after tossing it with garlic butter sauce for an extra boost in nutrients and color!
• For added heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or chilli powder into your garlic butter mixture.
• If you want to keep things simple yet flavorful, omit the zucchini noodles altogether and serve regular pasta instead. You can still get that lovely garlicky flavor by simply adding more minced garlic to the butter sauce.

Remember to always use high-quality ingredients for best results. Fresh garlic, fresh herbs, and good quality olive oil will make a big difference in this dish's taste.

If you're looking for something quick yet delicious to throw together during busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by, Garlic Butter Pasta with Zucchini Noodles is an excellent choice! Give it a try today!