pasta garlic butter sauce
This simple yet flavorful pasta with garlic butter sauce is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. The rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic elevates the pasta to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 strainer
- 1 skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 4 serving plates
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- to taste Salt
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning until fragrant and lightly golden.
- If using, add the red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for another 30 seconds.
- Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately on plates, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the pasta.
To make it a complete meal, pair this dish with a simple green salad.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.