Description
A simple and comforting garlic butter pasta made with tender spaghetti tossed in a rich, fragrant garlic butter sauce, finished with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese for an easy yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
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 water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the garlic butter.
- Toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Toss until well combined and glossy.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and loosen the sauce.
- Cook garlic gently to prevent bitterness from burning.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra protein and texture.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
