Deliciously Simple Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is a favorite among many people for its simplicity and deliciousness. The key to this dish lies in the quality of ingredients used and how well you prepare it. Whether you're a beginner cook or an experienced chef, garlic butter pasta can be made with ease following simple steps. This recipe provides a perfect balance of rich flavors that will leave your family asking for more.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon zest for garnish

Cooking Time: 30 minutes, Servings: 4 people

Instructions:

1. Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In the meantime, heat up the olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic into the pan; allow it to sizzle but be careful not to let it burn. Garlic should turn golden brown for optimal flavor without turning black which can make the dish taste bitter.
3. Once your pasta is cooked al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the rest out. Drain the spaghetti and immediately add it back into the pan with garlic butter mixture to coat evenly. Add salt and pepper as needed during this step too.
4. If desired, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
5. Transfer the pasta onto a serving dish or plates, garnish with lemon zest if preferred.

Tips: It is important to not overcook your pasta. Al dente means that the pasta has an al dente (Italian for "to the tooth") texture meaning it should be firm but still easy enough to bite through. Cooking time varies slightly depending on what type of pasta you choose, so always check packages for exact timing.

This dish is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can experiment with different types of cheeses such as mozzarella or even add some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to make it more nutritious and colorful. For those who enjoy a bit extra flavor, adding a dash of red pepper flakes at the end could give your pasta a spicy kick.

To take this recipe one step further, you might consider trying it with different sauces such as Alfredo sauce or pesto sauce instead of just plain garlic butter. Each variation offers unique tastes that can appeal to various palates within your household.

Health Benefits:

• Potassium: Found in the Parmesan cheese used, potassium helps regulate blood pressure and supports heart health.
• Vitamin C: Provided by lemon zest which acts as an antioxidant helping protect cells against free radicals. Vitamin C is also important for immune function.
• Fiber: Whole grains like pasta contain dietary fiber which aids digestion, maintains bowel health and supports weight management.

To sum up, garlic butter pasta is a simple yet highly rewarding dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknight meals while its versatility allows for endless creative variations to keep things interesting every time you prepare it. So why not give this recipe a try today?