Simple yet indulgent, garlic butter pasta transforms humble ingredients into a rich, restaurant-worthy dish. This comfort food classic blends silky butter, aromatic garlic, and nutty parmesan into a velvety coating over your favorite pasta.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, garlic butter pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and never fails to satisfy. It’s a timeless recipe that always feels a little special.
The Stars Behind Garlic Butter Pasta
- Dried pasta – The foundation of the dish, whether you choose spaghetti, linguine, or any shape you love, it soaks up the buttery garlic sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted butter – Rich and creamy, butter is the soul of the sauce, creating a glossy coating that clings to every strand.
- Fresh garlic – Sliced and gently sautéed, garlic infuses the butter with deep, savory aroma and warmth without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated parmesan brings saltiness and depth, helping to thicken the sauce and add complexity.
- Chopped parsley – Fresh and vibrant, parsley brightens up the richness with its subtle peppery edge and a pop of green.
Quick & Comforting: How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente—don’t forget to save some of that starchy pasta water.
Meanwhile, melt half the butter in a skillet and lightly sauté the garlic just until fragrant. Add your hot pasta directly into the pan with a splash of pasta water and toss it all together.
Melt in the remaining butter, and keep tossing until a glossy, rich sauce forms. Finish with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and parsley, and season to taste.
Serve warm with an extra dusting of cheese—and maybe a slice of crusty bread to swipe the plate clean.
Flavor Boosts & Pro Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta
For deeper flavor, consider browning the butter slightly before adding the garlic—it adds a nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with parmesan.
If you’re craving protein, stir in sautéed shrimp or grilled chicken. Want a touch of heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick without overshadowing the garlic.
Always use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and taste—it melts better and avoids the waxy coating pre-grated versions sometimes have.
The key to this dish is balance. Taste before salting further, especially after adding the cheese, which can be salty on its own.
Storing and Reheating Garlic Butter Pasta
To keep garlic butter pasta tasting its best, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce and restore its silky texture.
Avoid freezing, as the butter-based sauce can separate and the pasta texture tends to suffer. This dish is best enjoyed fresh—or happily revisited the next day from the fridge.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces 225 g dried pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or similar)
- 4 tablespoons 52 g unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- ½ cup 43 g grated parmesan
Instructions
- Bring a medium saucepot of water to a rolling boil, then generously season with salt. Cook the pasta until tender, following the instructions on the packaging. Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water.
- In a separate skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Gently sauté the sliced garlic just until aromatic, taking care not to brown it.
- Introduce the freshly drained pasta into the skillet along with a portion of the reserved pasta water. Using kitchen tongs, toss vigorously to emulsify the butter and water into a cohesive sauce that adheres to the pasta.
- Incorporate the remaining butter, continuing to toss until fully melted and absorbed. Add more pasta water if needed to maintain a smooth, silky consistency.
- Withdraw from heat, then stir in grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly to combine and taste for seasoning, adjusting with additional salt if necessary.
- Serve promptly, with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
