Easy Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is a classic comfort food that has been loved by many for its simplicity and flavor. It’s easy to make, requires few ingredients, and can be customized with various additions depending on your preferences. This dish pairs perfectly with a glass of red wine or alongside a fresh salad in the summertime.

For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti pasta
• 3 to 4 cloves of garlic, minced fine
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparation: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. While waiting for the water to boil, mince the garlic cloves and chop the parsley.

Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the spaghetti pasta. Stir occasionally to ensure that the pasta does not stick together as it cooks.

Cooking: Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. This liquid will help blend the sauce and prevent it from being too thick.

Sauce:

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can turn the dish bitter.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and stir until melted into the butter. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Final Touch:

Toss the hot spaghetti with the garlic butter sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a brighter finish, garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Enjoy immediately as is for a simple yet satisfying meal.
2. Cook up some chicken or shrimp to mix into the pasta for extra protein content.
3. Add a side salad and whole grain bread for a balanced dinner.

Tips & Variations:

Vegetarian Twist: For those who want to make this dish more substantial, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli into the pasta. Sauté these vegetables in a bit of oil before adding them to the garlic butter sauce.

Carnivorous Option: If you’re not vegetarian and prefer meat, consider mixing in grilled chicken strips or slices of prosciutto into the dish for added richness and flavor.

Nutritional Information:

• Pasta: 1 cup (about half a cooked pasta serving) contains approximately 200 calories per serving. Pasta is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide energy during your meal.
• Butter: Butter adds fat and flavor to the dish but should be used in moderation for those watching their intake.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese provides essential vitamins like vitamin A, D, and K along with minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. It also enhances the taste profile of your meal.

Conclusion:

Garlic butter pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed by both beginners and experienced cooks alike. The simplicity of this recipe allows for creativity; you might try different kinds of cheese, add more vegetables, or incorporate various proteins to suit your taste.

This versatile dish not only satisfies the palate with its rich flavors but also offers an opportunity to explore new flavor combinations in your kitchen.