Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta – Simple Weeknight Dish
An easy, flavorful pasta tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with Parmesan and herbs. Comforting, fast, and endlessly customizable for any meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
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8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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4–6 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
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1/4 cup reserved pasta water
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1/4–1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
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Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 2–3 minutes.
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Add drained pasta and reserved water. Toss well.
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Stir in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper.
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Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
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Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if needed
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Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed veggies for variety
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Store leftovers up to 3 days; reheat gently with added water