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To make this easy garlic butter pasta, you'll need: - 8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt, to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (optional) These simple ingredients make a delicious meal in no time. Each item brings a unique flavor that blends perfectly. The butter and garlic form a rich sauce that coats the pasta well. You can add more taste with these optional ingredients: - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme - Sliced cherry tomatoes for a pop of color - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Spinach or arugula for greens These extras can enhance your dish. They add texture and color, making the meal more appealing. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. To make this recipe, gather these tools: - Large pot for boiling water - Large skillet for the sauce - Colander for draining pasta - Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing - Grater for Parmesan cheese Using the right tools helps your cooking process go smoothly. A large pot is great for cooking pasta evenly. A skillet allows you to easily toss the pasta with the sauce. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking. This will save time and keep things organized. For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, get a big pot and fill it with water. Add salt to this water. Bring it to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add 8 oz of your pasta choice, like spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help your sauce later. While your pasta cooks, grab a large skillet. Set the heat to medium and add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir it for 1 to 2 minutes. You want it to smell nice and look golden, but be careful not to burn it. If you like a bit of spice, now is the time to stir in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Once your pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the pasta well so it gets coated. This is where the saved pasta water comes in. Add a little at a time until the sauce looks just right for you. Now, season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Lastly, mix in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess. If you want a fresh twist, add some lemon zest too. Give it a good stir and serve hot, garnished with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy your meal! To make great pasta, always use a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. The water should taste like the sea. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. Stir the pasta right away to prevent it from sticking. Cook it until it is al dente, which means firm, but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes for spaghetti. Remember to save some pasta water before you drain it; this water helps to make your sauce smooth. Garlic is key to this dish. Use fresh garlic for the best taste. Mince it finely so it cooks evenly. Sauté the garlic in warm butter. It should turn golden, not brown. Brown garlic can taste bitter. If you want an extra kick, add red pepper flakes when the garlic is cooking. This adds a nice heat that wakes up the dish. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always check the pasta a minute or two before the package says. Another mistake is not saving enough pasta water. This water is like liquid gold for your sauce. Lastly, don’t forget to season! A little salt and pepper can make a big difference. Use freshly cracked black pepper for a strong flavor. Follow these tips to make your garlic butter pasta shine. For more guidance, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make this dish more filling by adding protein. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. If you want shrimp, add them to the skillet after the garlic cooks. Cook until they turn pink. This gives you a nice boost of flavor and nutrients. Adding veggies can make this dish healthier. Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. For spinach, toss it in right before the pasta. It will wilt quickly. For cherry tomatoes, add them when the garlic is cooking. They will burst and add sweetness. Broccoli should be steamed first, then mixed in with the pasta. These add color and health benefits. You can easily make this dish vegan. Swap the butter for a plant-based option like olive oil or coconut oil. Instead of Parmesan, use nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without missing out. Store your garlic butter pasta in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to keep it in the fridge. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for long to prevent spoilage. To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. You can also use a microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. You can freeze garlic butter pasta, but it may change the texture. To freeze, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above. For best results, enjoy it fresh! For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Spaghetti is classic, but penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle work well. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type. Check the package for the best time. To make this dish gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options made from rice, corn, or chickpeas. Cook it just like regular pasta. The garlic butter sauce will still make it delicious! Garlic butter pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with lemon dressing - Garlic bread for extra flavor - Steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus - A light soup, such as minestrone These sides will complement the pasta and create a balanced meal. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe! This blog detailed how to make tasty garlic butter pasta. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. Consider variations for added nutrition or protein. Storing leftovers properly helps them last longer. I hope these tips help you cook a delicious meal. Enjoy your pasta adventure!

Easy Garlic Butter Pasta for a Quick Dinner Delight

Indulge in a delightful dish with this easy garlic butter pasta recipe! In just 15 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that’s bursting with flavor. With simple ingredients like spaghetti, garlic, and butter, this recipe is perfect for any night of the week. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for the finishing touch. Click through to discover how to impress your taste buds and whip up this easy garlic butter pasta today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt, to taste

Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

    While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

      Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

        If using, stir in the red pepper flakes at this point for a bit of heat.

          Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the garlic butter.

            Toss the spaghetti in the garlic butter, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

              Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

                Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the pasta.

                  For an extra zing, add the lemon zest if using and mix well.

                    Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

                      Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2-3