Description
Garlic butter pasta is a quick and indulgent dish that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. This delightful recipe combines al dente pasta with rich, aromatic garlic butter, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. With minimal effort, you can impress your guests or enjoy a cozy dinner at home. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and grated Parmesan for an irresistible finish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb Italian spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic (4 minced, 2 thinly sliced)
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup reserved starchy pasta cooking water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente (8 to 9 minutes). Scoop out and reserve 1 cup starchy pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Sizzle Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 4 tbsp butter with olive oil. Add sliced and minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing gently for 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Toss & Emulsify: Add drained pasta to skillet with 1/2 cup pasta water, remaining 2 tbsp butter, and half the Parmesan. Toss vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until glossy and emulsified.
- Garnish & Serve: Stir in fresh parsley and remaining Parmesan. Season with black pepper and twirl into bowls to serve immediately!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 40mg