Name: Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped; Reserved pasta water, as needed

I love making this garlic butter pasta when I want something quick, cozy, and full of flavor without much effort. The combination of buttery richness, fragrant garlic, and melted Parmesan creates a silky sauce that perfectly coats every strand of pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this recipe because it comes together in just minutes with simple pantry ingredients. It’s perfect when I need a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. I also like how versatile it is—I can keep it simple or add extras like vegetables or protein. The texture turns out smooth and glossy every time, which makes it feel a bit special despite how easy it is.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 ounces spaghetti or other pasta

4 tablespoons salted butter

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped

Reserved pasta water, as needed

Directions

I start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta until it reaches my preferred texture. Before draining, I scoop out about a cup of pasta water and set it aside.

While the pasta cooks, I melt the butter in a large pan over low heat. I add the minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown.

Once the pasta is drained, I add it directly to the pan and toss it well so it gets coated in the garlic butter. I sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until everything is nicely combined.

I slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water, little by little, until the sauce becomes glossy and silky. Then I season with salt and black pepper to taste.

To finish, I sprinkle chopped parsley on top and add extra Parmesan if I feel like it, then serve it hot.

Servings and timing

I usually make this recipe for 4 servings.
Prep time takes about 5 minutes, cooking time is around 10 minutes, so the total time comes to about 15 minutes.
Each serving contains approximately 361 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes like to switch things up depending on what I have at home. I can add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color. If I want more protein, I mix in grilled chicken or shrimp. For a bit of heat, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. I also enjoy trying different cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. When reheating, I like to add a splash of water or a small amount of butter to bring back the creamy texture. I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep it from drying out.

Related Recipes:

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

I can use any pasta I have on hand, such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine. The sauce works well with almost any shape.

Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

I use pasta water because it helps create a smooth and silky sauce. The starch in the water helps the butter and cheese blend together better.

Can I make this recipe without Parmesan?

I can skip Parmesan or replace it with another hard cheese. However, I find that Parmesan adds the best flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

I cook the garlic over low heat and keep a close eye on it. I remove it from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I prefer making it fresh because the texture is best right after cooking. If I do make it ahead, I reheat it with a little added liquid to restore the sauce.

Conclusion

I keep coming back to this garlic butter pasta because it’s simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying. It’s one of those recipes I can rely on when I want something comforting without much effort, and it always delivers a delicious result.

📖 Recipe: