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Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic Butter Pasta
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Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings, delivering rich, aromatic flavors with minimal ingredients and effortless preparation.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Dry pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine) – 8 ounces

Sauce

  • Unsalted butter – 4 tablespoons
  • Fresh garlic cloves – 4, minced or thinly sliced
  • Salt – to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper – to taste

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – ¼ cup

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced or sliced garlic and sauté gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and lightly golden, but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  3. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat every strand. Gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling and create a silky texture.
  4. Season and finish: Sprinkle in salt, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. Toss again, then remove from heat. If desired, stir in grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy richness that complements the garlic butter beautifully.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the garlic: keep the heat moderate and watch closely to avoid burning, which turns the garlic bitter.
  • Use reserved pasta water: its starch helps the sauce emulsify and stick to the pasta for a perfect finish.
  • Fresh ingredients matter: fresh garlic and butter deliver a much brighter, cleaner flavor than pre-minced or margarine.
  • Choose your pasta wisely: longer noodles like spaghetti or linguine hold the garlic butter sauce beautifully.
  • Finish with herbs: adding fresh parsley or basil at the end gives a lovely pop of color and fresh aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, garlic pasta

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/garlic-butter-pasta/