Description
A quick and cozy garlic butter pasta with a silky Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to every strand. Simple ingredients come together for a rich, comforting dish in minutes.
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
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until desired texture. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant without browning.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the pan and toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss until combined.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce becomes glossy and silky.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for variation.
Include grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Reheat gently with a splash of water or butter to restore texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
