Simple Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

In today’s busy world, many people turn to simple yet delicious home-cooked meals like garlic butter pasta for a quick and satisfying dinner. This classic dish is a staple in every household and can be easily prepared with just a few ingredients.

The main ingredient in this recipe is pasta, which makes it incredibly versatile. Garlic butter pasta pairs well with various side dishes, including steamed vegetables or a simple salad. It’s a perfect meal for busy weekdays when you need something comforting yet quick to prepare.

To make garlic butter pasta, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Pasta (any type)
• Garlic cloves
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: Parmesan cheese

Cooking time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, which includes preparation and cooking. The number of servings varies depending on the size of your pasta, but it should serve four people comfortably.

Steps to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Once boiling, add your chosen type of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes for most types of pasta. Drain the pasta when it is ready and set aside.

While the pasta is cooking, start preparing the garlic butter sauce. Melt half a stick (6 tablespoons) of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add two minced cloves of garlic and sauté until they turn golden brown but not burnt. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Once the garlic is cooked, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Stir everything together to ensure that the butter and garlic mixture is evenly coated with oil. Then, pour in a generous amount (about half a cup) of grated Parmesan cheese if you prefer. Mix until the cheese has fully melted into the butter-garlic base.

Once your pasta is drained, return it to the pot or skillet where the sauce is cooking. Toss everything together so that each piece of pasta gets covered in the garlicky butter mixture evenly. If needed, adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper. Optionally, you can also add a splash of water if the sauce seems too dry.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta

To make your garlic butter pasta extra special, here are some tips:

• Serve hot: For the best flavor, serve this dish immediately after cooking. Any delay will cause the garlic to lose its aromatic quality.
• Choose fresh herbs: Adding some fresh parsley or basil at the end can enhance the flavors of your pasta even more.
• Vary the type of pasta: Experiment with different types of noodles such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli to find out what works best for you.
• Use high-quality ingredients: Using fresh garlic and premium butter will certainly elevate the taste of your dish.
• Pair it wisely: Consider serving with a side salad or a simple Caesar salad to complement the richness of the pasta sauce.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional value per serving can vary depending on how much you eat. Here is an estimate based on four servings:

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Fat: 45 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Protein: 18 g

Garlic butter pasta is not only a delicious meal but also an excellent way to use up leftover ingredients in your fridge. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Closing Thoughts

Garlic butter pasta remains a favorite among many because of its simplicity and satisfying flavor. Whether you're having it for lunch or dinner, this dish never fails to please. So next time when you crave something comforting yet quick, consider giving garlic butter pasta a try.

Note: Always ensure all ingredients are fresh before use to get the best results from your homemade meal.