Homemade Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is a popular dish that everyone loves! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this classic Italian favorite can be customized to suit your taste buds. Here's how you can easily make it at home.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) of spaghetti or your favorite pasta type
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced finely
• 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt and black pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

To start, bring a large pot filled with salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Typically, this takes around 8-12 minutes depending on the type of pasta you are using.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare your garlic butter sauce. Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pan over low heat. Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and gently sauté until it becomes soft and golden but not brown. This should only take about 1-2 minutes to avoid burning the garlic.

Next, stir in the unsalted butter and allow it to melt into the garlic and olive oil mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste this sauce; if you like more flavor, consider adding another clove or two of garlic or perhaps a dash more of salt.

Once your pasta is cooked al dente, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the boiling water into a colander. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta cooking water before draining thoroughly.

Mix the hot pasta with the garlic butter sauce in the same pot you used for cooking the pasta. The starchy water will help integrate the flavors seamlessly, making sure your pasta is coated well. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. If needed, add more olive oil or butter for a creamier texture.

Transfer the pasta onto a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately while it's hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Add Cheese: For extra richness, stir in some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese during the final stages of mixing.
• Vary Protein: This dish pairs wonderfully with shrimp, chicken, or even vegetables like sautéed spinach and mushrooms.
• Fresh vs Dried Garlic: You can use fresh garlic instead of minced if you prefer a stronger flavor. One small head of raw garlic adds about 3 cloves roughly.

Healthier Option

If you're looking for a healthier version, consider using whole grain pasta and reducing the amount of butter used in your sauce. You could also experiment with incorporating more vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini into the dish to increase its nutritional value.

The key to enjoying garlic butter pasta lies in the quality of ingredients you use and how well everything is combined. With practice, you’ll find yourself able to adjust flavors based on personal preference, creating a delightful meal every time!

Conclusion

Garlic butter pasta remains one of those dishes that are simple yet incredibly satisfying. Its versatility allows for endless possibilities, whether it's a quick weeknight dinner or part of a more elaborate meal plan. Experimenting with different combinations and adding your personal touch makes this classic Italian favorite uniquely yours.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (without additional protein or vegetables): Approximately 640 calories, 28g fat, 115g carbs, 17g protein. Adjust these figures according to the variations you choose to include in your dish.

Enjoy your homemade garlic butter pasta! It's a delicious way to bring together simple ingredients into something truly special.