How to Make a Flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic Butter Pasta, also known as Pasta con Aglio, is a simple yet delicious Italian dish that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced chef. This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. Garlic Butter Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light weekend treat.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, depending on how long your pasta takes to cook al dente. You will be able to serve about 4 servings of this garlic butter pasta with the ingredients provided below. This dish can easily be doubled if you're serving more people or planning ahead.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) spaghetti, penne, or any pasta shape of your choice
3-4 garlic cloves, minced finely
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Once the water is boiling, add in your pasta and cook until it reaches al dente stage (firmness that’s just right). Al dente pasta should have a slight bite when you take a bite out of it.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt your butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly foamy, add in your minced garlic cloves. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic begins to turn golden brown but not burn.

Tip:

If you are concerned about burning the garlic, start checking it at about one minute of cooking time. Garlic should have a rich aroma and slightly golden hue without any blackening or scorching marks.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Parmesan

Add your grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the melted butter and garlic. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and forms a smooth sauce. This will take about one minute on low heat.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Sauce

Once the pasta has reached al dente, drain it by pouring into a colander in your sink. Do not rinse the pasta as this can wash away some of its starch which helps the sauce adhere to the noodles.

Toss the drained pasta with the butter, garlic, and Parmesan mixture until all pieces are evenly coated. You may add a bit more olive oil if you prefer a looser sauce consistency or for added richness.

Optional Garnishes

Freshly ground black pepper: Sprinkle over the top for extra flavor.
Parsley or basil: These herbs not only look beautiful but also add an extra burst of fresh flavor to your pasta dish.

Tips:

If you prefer a less rich sauce, you can omit the butter and increase the amount of olive oil. Alternatively, you could substitute some of the olive oil with cream or heavy cream for an even creamier texture.
For those who enjoy more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step to give your dish a bit of extra kick.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes including time taken to cook pasta al dente. Preparation and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.

Serving Size: Serves 4 as an individual portion or up to 8 smaller servings if you choose a looser sauce consistency.

Creative Ways to Use Garlic Butter Pasta

Use this dish for a simple weeknight meal: Just add some steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans for an extra serving of greens.
Mix in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or scallops for a heartier pasta dish. This makes the meal a perfect choice for leftovers and repurposing.
Pack this delicious pasta in containers to take it on your next picnic. It’s easy to transport due to its non-messy sauce consistency.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Pasta is a versatile, quick-to-make dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that it’s accessible for beginners while still yielding fantastic results even after multiple attempts.

No matter how you decide to enjoy this pasta—whether with simple ingredients or paired with protein—it will always leave you satisfied and craving more.