Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick, rich, and flavorful dish made with simple pantry staples. Silky noodles tossed in buttery garlic sauce and Parmesan cheese make it the ultimate comfort meal—perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends!
Ingredients
- Spaghetti or pasta of choice
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Don’t let it brown.
- (Optional) Stir in a splash of heavy cream and simmer for 1–2 minutes for a richer sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Add sautéed veggies like mushrooms or spinach for variety.
- Toss in cooked protein like shrimp, grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
- Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes with garlic for a spicy kick.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
