Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Plate of spaghetti pasta with a fork resting on the side.

5 from 13 votes

Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

If you're searching for a quick and easy pasta recipe that's bursting with flavor, look no further than this delicious garlic butter pasta. This simple and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast yet satisfying. With just a few budget-friendly ingredients, you can whip up a rich and savory pasta dish.

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Calories: 367kcal

Author: MaryAnne

Equipment

1 large skillet
1 large saucepan

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti pasta
4 Tablespoons butter
5 garlic cloves, minced or thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Lemon zest and juice from ½ of a lemon
3 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Over high heat, bring a large pot of (salted) water to a boil. Cook pasta according to (al dente) package instructions. After pasta is cooked, set aside 1 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and saute for 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, along with ¼ cup of pasta water, and gently coat the noodles using kitchen tongs. Add more pasta water if needed, and toss noodles, until you have a silky sauce.
Remove from heat, add grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and toss once more. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

- Storage: Place in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Salt your pasta water. As the water is absorbed into the noodles, the salt is absorbed along with it, giving it flavor. So, be generous with the salt!

- Reserve pasta water. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. It contains starch, which helps to thicken the sauce and ensures that it sticks to the pasta.

- Cook pasta al dente. Nobody likes overcooked, mushy pasta, so be sure to cook your pasta according to package instructions. It should be firm-tender and chewy when you bite into it.

Nutrition