There’s nothing quite like the aroma of garlic and butter filling the kitchen, signaling that comfort and deliciousness are just minutes away. Homemade Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple yet luxurious dish that transforms basic ingredients into a meal that feels indulgent, yet cozy. Perfect for a quiet weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering with friends, or even a special celebration at home, this pasta is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
Inspired by the classic Italian tradition of using quality ingredients to create bold flavors, this recipe focuses on freshness and simplicity. It’s a dish that can warm the soul, satisfy cravings, and impress anyone at your table without hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned foodie, this garlic butter pasta is a must-try comfort classic.
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work best)
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
1. Cook the pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Adding salt to the water is essential—it should taste like the sea. This step ensures that the pasta itself is seasoned from the inside out, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. Once the water reaches a vigorous boil, carefully add your pasta of choice, whether it’s spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Stir immediately to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Keep in mind that pasta will continue to cook slightly after draining, so it’s important not to overcook it at this stage. While the pasta is cooking, keep an eye on it and stir occasionally. This will help maintain the perfect texture and prevent clumping.
Once the pasta is ready, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water before draining. This pasta water is a secret ingredient that will help create a smooth, silky sauce later on. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside, making sure it doesn’t sit too long, as it may start to stick together. A quick toss with a small drizzle of olive oil can help if you’re not adding it to the sauce immediately.
2. Prepare the garlic butter sauce
While the pasta cooks, it’s the perfect time to focus on the sauce. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Using a combination of butter and a small amount of olive oil is a helpful trick—the olive oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly and adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Once the butter is melted, add the finely minced garlic. The aroma of garlic cooking in butter is one of the most comforting smells in the kitchen. Sauté the garlic for 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can introduce a bitter taste to the dish. If you enjoy a touch of heat in your pasta, add red pepper flakes at this stage. The gentle sizzle will infuse the butter with a warm, subtle spice that complements the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Take your time with this step—properly cooking the garlic ensures the flavor permeates the butter and creates a strong, aromatic base for the pasta. Keep the heat moderate and stir frequently, allowing the garlic to soften and release its oils without browning too fast.
3. Combine pasta and sauce
Once your garlic butter is fragrant and ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly with the butter to ensure every strand is coated. The key to a restaurant-quality garlic butter pasta lies in this step. The pasta should glisten with the sauce, with every piece enveloped in buttery, garlicky goodness.
Gradually add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. The starchy water is a magic ingredient that helps create a smooth, luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles. Add it a little at a time, tossing the pasta as you go, until the desired consistency is reached. The sauce should lightly coat the pasta without being overly runny. This technique not only binds the pasta and sauce together but also enhances the texture, making it silky and indulgent.
4. Add the finishing touches
Now it’s time to elevate the dish with the finishing touches. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and the freshly chopped parsley, tossing everything together until evenly distributed. The Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter, while parsley brightens the dish with a pop of freshness and color.
Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Adjusting seasoning at this stage ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced, with the garlic, butter, and cheese harmonizing beautifully. For added flavor, you can also toss in a little extra Parmesan or a small knob of butter for richness. At this point, the pasta should look glossy, fragrant, and inviting—a dish that’s ready to impress.
5. Serve immediately
Homemade Garlic Butter Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, so transfer it to serving plates or a large serving bowl immediately. Serve it while warm, as the flavors are at their peak when the sauce is silky and the pasta is tender. For an extra touch of indulgence, add an additional pat of butter on top or sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese.
This pasta is perfect on its own or served alongside a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a full, comforting meal. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma—the combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs is irresistible. Each bite should be rich, flavorful, and satisfying, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
Notes
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Pasta choices: Spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal for a classic experience, but penne or rigatoni can also work beautifully.
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Add-ins: Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes, or fresh spinach to add extra flavor and texture.
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Make it cheesy: For a creamier variation, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream or more Parmesan while tossing the pasta.
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Meal prep tip: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. If storing leftovers, keep the sauce separate from the pasta and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water.
Why This Garlic Butter Pasta Works Every Time
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The combination of butter and garlic creates a rich, aromatic base, while the pasta water helps to bind the sauce and coat every strand. Parmesan cheese adds depth and saltiness, balancing the buttery richness perfectly. A touch of parsley not only brightens the flavor but also adds a fresh, vibrant color, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Unlike heavy cream-based sauces, this garlic butter pasta feels light but still indulgent. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for countless variations, whether you want to add vegetables, proteins like chicken or shrimp, or simply enjoy it as a decadent vegetarian meal. The method is straightforward, making it accessible even to beginner cooks, yet the flavors are sophisticated enough to impress guests.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta
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Don’t overcook the garlic: Burnt garlic turns bitter, so sauté just until fragrant.
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Use quality butter: Unsalted, high-quality butter makes a noticeable difference in richness and flavor.
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Reserve pasta water: The starchy water is key to creating a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles.
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Season in layers: Season the pasta water and then adjust the salt and pepper in the sauce for balanced flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. A crisp, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette can provide a bright contrast to the richness of the butter sauce. For dinner parties, add a side of roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans to elevate the meal without adding complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, as the garlic butter sauce is most flavorful immediately after cooking. If you need to prepare it ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers and gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of pasta water.
2. Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even seared tofu can be added to make the dish more filling. Simply cook your protein separately and toss it in at the end.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary.
4. How can I make it extra creamy?
For a richer, creamier texture, add 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream along with the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated before serving.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Garlic Butter Pasta is a classic comfort food that combines simplicity with rich, bold flavors. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a quiet night at home, a family dinner, or a casual gathering with friends. Its buttery, garlicky sauce, enhanced with fresh parsley and Parmesan, makes every bite memorable.
The best part? This recipe is adaptable. Add vegetables, proteins, or extra cheese, and it still delivers the same delicious satisfaction. It’s a dish that proves homemade pasta doesn’t have to be complicated to impress. Once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation, one that everyone will love and request again and again.
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Homemade Garlic Butter Pasta Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A simple yet luxurious pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with fresh herbs and Parmesan. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, delicious meal. This recipe is inspired by classic Italian cooking traditions, focusing on fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, finely minced
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil to prevent the butter from browning. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If using red pepper flakes, stir them in at this stage.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic butter to coat evenly. Gradually add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
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Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, tossing until everything is evenly combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl. For extra indulgence, add an additional pat of butter or a final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
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Pasta choices: Spaghetti or fettuccine are ideal, but penne or rigatoni work well too.
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Add-ins: Optional ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes, or fresh spinach can enhance flavor and texture.
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Make it cheesy: For a creamier version, stir in 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream or extra Parmesan while tossing the pasta.
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Storage tip: Keep sauce and pasta separate when storing leftovers and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
