Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that I always turn to when I want something quick, cozy, and satisfying. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients but delivers big on flavor, thanks to rich, melted butter and fragrant sautéed garlic. It’s perfect on its own or as a base for adding protein or vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and easy this pasta is to make—it comes together in under 20 minutes with ingredients I almost always have in my kitchen. The garlic-infused butter coats each strand of pasta, creating a silky, savory finish that’s hard to resist. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving it as a side for dinner, it’s always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine work best)

• Butter (unsalted or salted, depending on preference)

• Fresh garlic, minced or thinly sliced

• Olive oil (optional, to prevent the butter from browning too fast)

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

• Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Directions

1. I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. While the pasta cooks, I melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of olive oil if I want to slow the browning.

3. I add the garlic to the pan and sauté it gently for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant—making sure not to burn it.

4. I add the drained pasta straight into the skillet and toss it well to coat in the garlic butter.

5. If the pasta looks dry, I add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help the sauce cling.

6. I season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if I’m feeling spicy, then top with parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 and takes roughly 15–20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an easy side dish.

Variations

• I like adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a more complete meal.

• A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness and works great with seafood additions.

• I sometimes toss in spinach or arugula for a fresh, leafy element.

• Swapping regular butter for garlic herb compound butter adds even more flavor.

• For a nutty twist, I sprinkle in toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or extra butter to help bring the sauce back to life. The microwave works too, though I stir often to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

I can, but I prefer fresh garlic for the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, though.

What’s the best pasta for garlic butter sauce?

I usually go with long noodles like spaghetti or linguine—they hold onto the butter sauce nicely.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use a plant-based butter substitute and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

I cook it on low to medium heat and keep a close eye—it only takes a minute or two to become fragrant.

Is this recipe good as a side or a main dish?

Both. I serve it as a main with protein or veggies, or as a simple, tasty side with meat or seafood.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Pasta is one of those dishes I never get tired of making. It’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly versatile—perfect for any night of the week. Whether I’m keeping it simple or dressing it up, this pasta always brings comfort and satisfaction to the table.

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