Simple Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is a classic dish that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes and serves up to four people. This recipe provides an easy yet flavorful twist on traditional pasta dishes, perfect for those looking to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

To get started, you will need the following ingredients: 2 cups of elbow macaroni, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 4 cloves of garlic minced, salt and pepper to taste, a generous handful of fresh parsley finely chopped, and olive oil for sautéing.

Cooking Time: Preparation: 10 minutes, Cooking: 8 minutes, Total: 18 minutes

Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by boiling a large pot of water with salt. Once the water is fully brought to a boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook it according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Typically, this will take about 8 minutes. Be sure to save some pasta water before draining; this will help enhance the creaminess of your sauce.

In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add in minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute or until fragrant but not browned. Garlic should add just the right amount of flavor without overwhelming the dish.

When the pasta is cooked to perfection, drain it reserving some pasta water if needed. Toss your freshly boiled pasta into the pan with butter and garlic, allowing them to combine well while ensuring that every strand gets coated in a rich sauce. You can also add a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning at this point.

Lastly, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley over top and serve immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips and Variations

• Add More Flavor: For extra flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or capers to the garlic butter mixture.
• Vary Protein Options: Instead of macaroni, you can substitute other noodles like whole wheat penne. Alternatively, add some grilled chicken for a more substantial meal.
• Sweeten It Up: A touch of honey or maple syrup in the garlic butter sauce can turn this simple pasta into something truly delightful.

Presentation Suggestions

To make your dish look even more appealing, consider serving it on a warm platter lined with fresh basil leaves. Additionally, you could arrange the strands of pasta artfully and garnish each serving with a drizzle of olive oil and extra parsley for a vibrant and inviting presentation.

Health Considerations

This recipe uses unsalted butter which helps control sodium intake when preparing food at home. However, if you're watching your calorie count, reducing the amount of butter used could be beneficial too. Adding more vegetables such as spinach or broccoli to this dish is another way to boost its nutritional value without compromising taste.

Conclusion

Garlic butter pasta offers a quick and easy solution for busy weeknight dinners while still being enjoyable enough to serve guests. Its simplicity combined with the richness of garlic and cream creates a comforting meal that’s hard to resist. Experimenting with different herbs or proteins can easily turn this simple yet delicious dish into something truly unique.

Enjoy creating this tasty recipe at home knowing it won't take up much time from your busy schedule!