Posted by A Simple Yet Delicious Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe for Everyone
When you want a quick, flavorful meal that satisfies both the taste buds and the stomach, this garlic butter parmesan pasta is your go-to recipe. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a delightful dish in under 20 minutes that will become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a small gathering, this easy butter cheese pasta is sure to impress. The creamy richness of butter and parmesan combined with the subtle hint of garlic creates a comforting and delicious pasta that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this guide, I will show you how to prepare a simple pasta recipe using minimal ingredients, while still packing in incredible flavor. Using just spaghetti, butter, garlic, and parmesan cheese, you’ll learn how to make a gourmet dish without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences, making it a fantastic option for even the pickiest eaters.
Why This Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is So Popular
This pasta dish is a fantastic choice for those busy nights when you don’t have a lot of time but still want something delicious. It’s quick, requiring only about 20 minutes from start to finish. What’s even better is that the ingredients are basic pantry staples that most people already have on hand, making it the perfect last-minute dinner idea.
The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show here. It’s rich, indulgent, and full of flavor, yet it doesn’t overwhelm the pasta. The sauce allows the simple ingredients to shine through, giving the dish a luxurious feel without being overly complicated. The parmesan cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the buttery richness, while the garlic infuses the sauce with a subtle yet savory depth.
Another reason this dish is beloved is its versatility. You can easily adjust the amount of garlic, butter, or cheese to suit your personal preferences. You can even add a variety of optional toppings like fresh herbs, chili oil, or extra grated parmesan to elevate the dish further.
The Essential Ingredients: Simplicity at Its Best
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something incredibly tasty. Let’s break down the essential ingredients needed to make this garlic butter pasta dish.
Spaghetti or Your Favorite Pasta
While spaghetti is the traditional pasta choice for this dish, you can use whatever pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle all work wonderfully with this garlic butter sauce. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you’re following a gluten-free diet. The key here is to cook your pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente, so it holds up well in the sauce.
Butter: The Creamy Base
The butter is the foundation of the sauce and is responsible for the dish’s rich, creamy texture. Use unsalted butter to have more control over the salt content in the recipe, and melt it gently over medium-low heat to infuse the garlic flavor without burning it.
Parmesan Cheese
Grated parmesan is what gives this dish its distinct, savory flavor. The sharp, nutty taste of parmesan cheese pairs beautifully with the creamy butter sauce. It also melts perfectly, helping to create a smooth, cheesy coating for the pasta. Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan instead of the pre-grated variety for the best flavor and texture.
Garlic
The minced garlic is what brings depth and complexity to this pasta dish. When you sauté garlic in butter, it infuses the sauce with a deliciously fragrant aroma. Be careful not to overcook the garlic; it should be soft and golden, but not browned, as this can lead to a bitter flavor.
Salt
Salt is essential to bring out the flavors of the dish. You’ll use it in two stages: to season the pasta water and to adjust the seasoning in the sauce. Properly salted water helps enhance the natural flavor of the pasta, while a pinch of salt in the sauce ensures everything is well-balanced.
The Secret to Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce
The key to making this pasta dish truly standout is the garlic butter sauce. Here are a few tips to ensure the sauce turns out perfect every time:
- Low and Slow Garlic Cooking: The garlic should be cooked over low to medium-low heat. This allows the garlic to soften and infuse its flavor into the butter without burning. If the garlic burns, it can become bitter, and that will affect the taste of the entire dish.
- Pasta Water Magic: When cooking your pasta, always reserve some of the pasta water before draining it. The starchy pasta water will help thicken the sauce, making it cling to the pasta better. Adding the reserved pasta water to the garlic butter mixture creates a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats each strand of pasta.
- Grate the Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated parmesan will melt much better than pre-shredded parmesan, giving your sauce a smoother consistency. It will also enhance the flavor, making your pasta more flavorful and creamy.
- Seasoning: Taste the pasta once it’s combined with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed. Since parmesan cheese is salty, you may not need a lot, but it’s always good to taste and make adjustments.
How to Make the Best Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta
This recipe is quick, easy, and straightforward. Let’s go over the step-by-step instructions for making this mouthwatering dish.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (spaghetti or your favorite type) and cook it according to the package instructions, typically for 8-10 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is an important ingredient in making the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, add minced garlic to the pan. Let it cook gently for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic should become fragrant and soft, but be careful not to let it turn brown, as that can cause it to taste bitter.
Step 3: Add the Pasta Water
Once the garlic has softened, add the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water to the pan. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together. The pasta water will help thicken the sauce, making it smooth and silky.
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the garlic butter sauce, tossing it gently with tongs until all the strands are well-coated. Gradually sprinkle in 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese, continuing to toss the pasta so the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy coating. Taste and add salt if needed, as the parmesan may already add some saltiness to the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the pasta is perfectly coated in the garlic butter parmesan sauce, it’s time to serve! You can garnish with fresh parsley, extra parmesan, and a drizzle of chili oil if you like a bit of heat. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy pasta with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Part 2: Quick and Easy Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb spaghetti (or pasta of your choice)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the pasta in salted water per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn.
- Add the reserved pasta water to the garlic butter mixture and stir to combine.
- Add the drained pasta to the pan, tossing to coat with the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and toss until the pasta is well-coated and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
- Garnish with parsley, extra parmesan, and chili oil (optional). Serve and enjoy!
This simple and quick pasta dish is perfect for busy days and is guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
