Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is a favorite among many home cooks for its simplicity and delightful flavor profile. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a light meal or paired with other ingredients to create a more substantial course. In this recipe, we will walk you through making a quick garlic butter pasta that serves four people.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of your favorite pasta, such as penne or spaghetti
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups water (for cooking the pasta)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Salt should be added before the pasta goes into the water; this helps in seasoning and cooking the pasta evenly. Once you have your salted water ready, add your choice of pasta to it.

While waiting for the pasta to boil, prepare the garlic butter sauce. Melt the softened butter over low heat in a small pan or skillet. Add minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes. This subtle cooking step helps prevent burning the garlic while enhancing its flavor.

Once your pasta is al dente (cooked to perfection with some bite), drain it thoroughly. There should be no water left in the pot; otherwise, you risk diluting the sauce. Do not rinse the pasta as this would wash away much of the starchy coating that helps bind the sauce effectively.

Return the drained pasta back into the hot cooking pot and pour over half of the garlic butter mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the fragrant garlic butter. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and well incorporated into the pasta. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences by adding more salt if necessary.

To serve this delicious dish, transfer it onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra burst of freshness. Alternatively, you could also add some sliced cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for a heartier option.

Tip

This recipe can be customized to suit different dietary needs. For instance, substituting the butter with olive oil creates a lower-fat version that’s still equally tasty and satisfying. Additionally, if you prefer less garlic but still want great flavor, you could reduce the amount used.

Conclusion

Garlic butter pasta is an excellent go-to dish when time is limited yet you desire something delicious and comforting. Its preparation requires minimal effort while delivering rich flavors that are sure to please both adults and children alike. Whether served as a standalone side or integrated into a larger meal, this quick garlic butter pasta stands out as one of the most beloved pasta recipes around.

Enjoy your homemade garlic butter pasta! It's simple yet so rewarding when you take time to savor each bite.