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To make garlic butter pasta, you need the best ingredients. Here’s what you will gather: - 8 oz spaghetti or linguine - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and black pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1/2 lemon These ingredients create a simple yet flavorful dish. The spaghetti or linguine serves as the perfect base. The unsalted butter adds a rich taste. Minced garlic brings a bold aroma. Red pepper flakes add a hint of spice, making it exciting. Grated Parmesan cheese gives the dish a creamy texture. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Lemon zest and juice brighten up the dish, creating a balance. With these ingredients, you can make a meal that impresses. They work in harmony to create garlic butter pasta, a dish you’ll love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Boiling salted water: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta as it cooks. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. 2. Cooking to al dente: Once the water boils, add 8 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Stir it gently to keep it from sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. 3. Reserving pasta water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help the sauce stick later. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. 1. Melting the butter: In the same pot or a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This butter will add richness to your dish. 2. Sautéing garlic and red pepper: Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great and turns golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic! 1. Tossing pasta with garlic butter: Add your drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss it well to coat all the pasta in that tasty butter. 2. Adjusting consistency with pasta water: If the pasta looks too dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. Mix it in until the pasta is creamy and well-coated. 1. Adding cheese, lemon zest, and juice: Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Toss everything together until combined. 2. Seasoning to taste: Taste your pasta. Add salt and black pepper as needed for extra flavor. 1. Garnishing tips: Before serving, stir in 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley for a bright touch. 2. Presentation suggestions: Serve the pasta in warm bowls. Top with more Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. A lemon wedge on the side adds a nice touch for those who enjoy a citrusy bite. - Ensuring perfect al dente pasta: Always use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Check the pasta package for cooking time. Taste it a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. - Avoiding burnt garlic: Cook garlic on medium heat. Keep an eye on it. Once it turns golden, take it off the heat. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and ruins the dish. - Experimenting with additional spices: Try adding herbs like basil or oregano. A pinch of smoked paprika can also give a nice kick. Mix and match spices to find your favorite flavor. - Using different cheese types: Parmesan is great, but don’t stop there! Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. A bit of feta can add a creamy texture too. - Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop garlic and parsley ahead of time. You can even cook the pasta earlier in the day. Just toss it in a bit of oil to keep it from sticking. - Storing leftovers properly: Place leftover pasta in an airtight container. It lasts in the fridge for about three days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm it slowly. This keeps it moist and tasty. Pro Tips Tip for Perfect Pasta: Always salt your pasta water well; it should taste like the sea. This is essential for flavoring the pasta itself. Tip for Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing. It should be lightly golden and fragrant for the best flavor. Tip for Creaminess: If you want an extra creamy sauce, add more reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Tip for Freshness: Adding fresh herbs like parsley at the end of cooking preserves their bright flavor and color, enhancing the dish's overall appeal. {{image_2}} Incorporating Chicken Adding chicken to garlic butter pasta brings a hearty touch. You can use grilled or pan-seared chicken breast. Slice the chicken into strips. Toss it in with the pasta and garlic butter. This adds protein and makes the dish more filling. Adding Shrimp Shrimp adds a nice seafood flavor. Start by sautéing shrimp in the garlic butter before adding the pasta. Cook until the shrimp turns pink. This only takes a few minutes. The shrimp pairs well with the garlic and lemon, making it a favorite. Using Zucchini or Spinach For a veggie boost, add zucchini or spinach. You can spiralize zucchini into noodles. This creates a fresh base for your dish. If using spinach, toss it in just before serving. It wilts quickly and adds color. Creating a Creamy Version To make a creamy garlic butter pasta, add heavy cream. Mix it in with the garlic butter before tossing with the pasta. This creates a rich sauce. You can also add cream cheese for extra creaminess. This variation is perfect for those who love rich flavors. Using Zucchini Noodles Zucchini noodles are a great gluten-free option. They are low in carbs and very healthy. Use a spiralizer to make them. Cook them briefly in the garlic butter. This keeps them tender yet crisp. Exploring Gluten-Free Pasta Options You can also find gluten-free pasta made from rice or lentils. These options cook just like regular pasta. Follow the package instructions for best results. They hold the garlic butter sauce well, making a delightful dish. After you finish your garlic butter pasta, let it cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh. If you use glass or plastic containers, make sure they seal well. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To freeze your pasta, let it cool completely. Transfer it to freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Garlic butter pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells sour or looks slimy, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses to keep your meals safe. The best pasta for garlic butter sauce is spaghetti or linguine. Both types hold the sauce well. Their long strands catch the garlic butter, making each bite tasty. If you prefer a different shape, you can try fettuccine or even penne. Choose what you love most! Yes, you can make garlic butter pasta without cheese. Leave out the Parmesan to keep it dairy-free. The dish will still taste great with just garlic, butter, and lemon. If you want a different flavor, try adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy twist. To make garlic butter pasta spicier, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a teaspoon and taste as you go. You can also include chopped fresh chili or even hot sauce. Adjust the spice to your liking for the perfect kick! Many sides pair well with garlic butter pasta. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. Garlic bread or crusty bread is great for mopping up sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables, like broccoli or asparagus, can also enhance your meal. Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost nutrition. You can toss in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini. Saute them with the garlic for added flavor. This makes the dish colorful and even more delicious! This blog post highlighted simple ingredients and easy steps for making garlic butter pasta. You learned how to cook pasta, prepare the sauce, and serve it with flair. I shared tips to enhance flavors and variations for different diets. With storage advice, your leftovers will stay fresh. Remember, garlic butter pasta is versatile and fun to make. I hope you feel inspired to create your own delicious dishes. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe!

Garlic Butter Paradise Pasta

A delicious pasta dish with garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 3
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 lemon zest
  • 1/2 lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the buttery goodness. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until it reaches a desired creamy consistency.
  • Add the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pasta. Toss again to combine everything. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a bright flavor.

Notes

Serve with extra Parmesan and a lemon wedge for added flavor.
Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, quick meal