Easy 20-minute garlic butter pasta that goes so well with any dish! It’s super quick and easy to make, and it may seem so simple, but it holds a ton of flavor! Plain spaghetti is smothered in a decadent butter garlic sauce, then topped with freshly grated parmesan and parsley. Simple, and perfect!
PROCESS:
- First, boil water and cook pasta in salted water. Strain the pasta and preserve pasta water for later use
- In a skillet or pan, melt butter and sauté aromatics, seasonings and freshly grated parmesan.
- Next, toss in pasta water and boiled pasta, simmer and add more parmesan. Top with more herby goodness and enjoy!
Here’s what you are going to need to make it:
Unsalted Butter: This adds richness to our dish, most essential ingredient of this pasta.
Onion: Adds sweet flavor. You can use shallots for less strong flavor.
Garlic: Adds aromatic and bold flavor.
Salt: Enhances taste.
Black Pepper: For a bit of heat and warmth.
Chili Flakes: Adds a kick of spice.
Oregano: An earthy herb.
Basil: Adds sweet and fresh flavor.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Adds creaminess to the pasta.
Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency.
Pasta: You can use linguine, fettucine or spaghetti if you prefer.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 tbsp of butter (unsalted)
- 1/2 Onion (finely chopped)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp basil (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup pasta water
- 8 ounces (225 g) dried pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, or any other long pasta
INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- In a medium-sized saucepot, boil water and salt it. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and sauté minced onion and the chopped garlic very lightly.
- When onions turn a little translucent add all of the seasoning mentioned above and stir for about 20-30 seconds
Step 3: Add the Cheese
- Next add freshly grated cheese and a splash of pasta water and mix everything together.
Step 4: Toss in the Pasta
- Next add the hot pasta along with a part of the pasta water and toss it using kitchen tongs until a sort of thick sauce is coating the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Final touch and serve
- Remove from heat, add freshly chopped parsley leaves on top. Toss continuously and season with salt if needed. Serve warm with extra grated parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Tips and Notes:
- Don’t skip salting the water! It enhances the pasta’s flavor and is your best chance to season the noodles from the inside out.
- Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks. Al dente means it has a little bite to it, which is ideal for a pasta dish.
- The starchy pasta water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce, so don’t forget to reserve some before draining.
- If your sauce is too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess.
- If you’re adding chicken, shrimp, or bacon, cook them in the skillet before the aromatics, then remove them, sauté the aromatics, and add them back in later.
- Adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and texture.
- Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes more flavorful.
- Feel free to mix different cheeses, like mozzarella for creaminess and Parmesan for a sharp bite.
- Adding fresh herbs at the end preserves their flavor. Dried herbs can be added earlier in the cooking process.
- A little lemon zest or juice can brighten up the dish and enhance flavors.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally.
27 thoughts on “Garlic Butter Pasta”
Today I tried this recipe ,my whole family loved it.thanx for the wonderful recipe
I cannot wait to try this recipe
I’ll be waiting for your feedback 💛
Appreciate your recipes and look forward to trying more. <3
Thankyou,your feedback is greatly appreciated.💛
I do not like cheese. Can I omit it?
yes you can skip the cheese but then the pasta wont taste as creamy.You can add extra butter after taking the pasta off heat for rich and creamy sauce.
Your ingredient list says 1/4 cup pasta water, but the directions say 1 cup pasta water, which is it
This recipe requires only 1/4 cup of pasta water.I usually recommend saving at least 1/2 cup of pasta water as it’s better to save more water than you think you’ll need.
Thank you…though how much onion!
Thank you…though how much onion?
1/2 medium sized onion💛
So simple & easy to make. This was delicious! My 3 yr daughter loved it as well. I added shallots in addition to the onion & garlic.
Thank you!
How much minced onion? It’s not listed in the recipe
Must have been an editing mistake .You’ll need 1/2 medium sized onion finely minced.
What if you don’t have any cheese?
You can omit it and use extra butter or you can also add a splash of milk.
What do it mean it say pasta water…
Leftover water after boiling the pasta
Need some juicy grilled chicken recipes
Will post soon 🙂
Will try
Is it 2 or 3 tablespoons of butter? Ingredients say 3 but directions 2
Its 3 tablespoons of butter
Thanks 🙂
tried this for the first time….love it!!!!!!
Gonna try this and add spinach