As a baker and home cook, I find joy in simple recipes that bring comfort and flavor together effortlessly. Garlic Butter Pasta is one of those dishes that instantly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s a straightforward recipe that relies on pantry basics yet delivers a rich and satisfying taste that feels indulgent without any fuss.
Why will you love this recipe? First, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or need a side to accompany a special meal, this pasta adapts beautifully. You can keep it as a simple, buttery garlic delight or elevate it by adding vegetables, protein, or herbs to suit your mood and occasion.
This recipe is affordable, too. It uses common ingredients that most people have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something tasty without spending much time or money.
The ingredients are simple yet powerful: pasta, garlic, butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors — the garlic infuses the butter with its aromatic essence, while the olive oil keeps everything silky. Fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness to finish.
With Garlic Butter Pasta, you get a dish that’s quick, comforting, and highly customizable. I’m excited to share the full preparation details with you next, so you can easily recreate this classic favorite in your own kitchen.
How to Prepare Garlic Butter Pasta
Making Garlic Butter Pasta is straightforward, fast, and rewarding. The process takes less than 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your preferred pasta—spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work beautifully—and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a combination of butter and olive oil to the pan. The olive oil prevents the butter from burning and adds a fruity richness. Once the butter melts, add finely minced garlic. Cook the garlic gently, stirring often, until it’s fragrant and just turning golden—about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid browning the garlic too much as it can become bitter.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until you achieve a silky consistency.
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. For freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta and toss lightly. This step adds a vibrant color and an herbal note that balances the rich butter and garlic.
Quick and Easy
The entire recipe can be prepared quickly, and the few simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, flavorful dish. There’s no need for complicated techniques or specialty items, making it accessible to cooks of all levels.
Customizable
You can personalize Garlic Butter Pasta by adding grilled chicken ham slices for extra protein or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for more texture and nutrition. It’s a popular choice among many because it pairs well with various additions, fitting different tastes and dietary needs.
This recipe’s simplicity, speed, and flexibility make it a reliable go-to in my kitchen and one that I know you will enjoy as well.
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Garlic Butter Pasta
Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the rich aroma of garlic with creamy butter, enhanced by olive oil and fresh parsley. This recipe is perfect for quick meals and can be customized to suit different tastes.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: chicken ham slices or cooked beef strips
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat until butter melts.
- Add minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden (2–3 minutes). Avoid burning the garlic.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat with the garlic butter sauce.
- If the pasta looks dry, add reserved pasta water in small amounts while stirring to create a silky sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir in chopped parsley and optional protein like chicken ham or beef strips, warming through before serving.
Notes
Adjust garlic amount based on preference for milder or stronger flavor.
For extra freshness, add lemon zest or juice before serving.
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Garlic Butter Pasta
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta types like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust cooking time according to the package.
Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil?
Using both helps prevent the butter from burning while adding richness and a smooth texture to the sauce. You can use only butter or oil, but the combination gives the best flavor and consistency.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and skip any animal products like chicken ham. Use olive oil generously and add extra garlic or herbs for flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil to restore the sauce’s texture.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Adding sliced chicken ham or cooked beef strips works well. Just toss them in during the final step to warm through.