Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta

A Tale of Comfort and Flavor

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Garlic Butter Pasta. It’s not just food it’s a comforting hug after a long day, a taste of home, and a dish that can turn any bad mood into a good one. I still remember the first time I made this Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta. It was late at night, I was starving, and I had nothing fancy in the fridge just pasta, garlic, butter, and a little Parmesan. In just 15 minutes, I had the creamiest, most delicious pasta, and from that day on, it became my go-to recipe.

That’s why I’m sharing this Garlic Butter Pasta recipe with you today. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this dish is a must-try. It’s simple, rich, and packed with flavor perfect for a quick dinner, a date night, or even a cozy solo meal. So, let’s dive into what makes this recipe irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

(Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Butter Garlic Noodles or Creamy Garlic Pasta)

Why should this be your new favorite pasta dish? Here are a few reasons:

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes, this is a no-fuss recipe.
Minimal Ingredients – You only need a handful of pantry staples.
Versatile – Eat it as is, or add chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
Rich & Buttery – The garlic butter sauce coats every strand of pasta beautifully.
Budget-Friendly – No expensive ingredients, just simple, delicious goodness.

If that sounds good to you, let’s check out what you need for this dish : (Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Butter Garlic Noodles, Creamy Garlic Pasta).

Ingredients You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Pasta

Before we get into the step-by-step process, here’s a sneak peek of the main ingredients you’ll need:

• Pasta (Spaghetti or Fettuccine works best)
• Garlic (Fresh cloves, finely minced)
• Butter (Unsalted, for a creamy taste)
• Parmesan Cheese (For extra flavor)
• Olive Oil (For added richness)
• Red Pepper Flakes (For a little heat)
• Parsley (For garnish)
• Salt & Black Pepper (To taste)

(Full ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below!)

Nutritional Value of Garlic Butter Pasta

To help you keep track of your intake, here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:

Note: Values may vary based on portion size and additional ingredients.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part—cooking!

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta Perfectly

Cooking pasta sounds simple, but getting it just right makes all the difference!

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Add Pasta: Drop in your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for al dente).
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water—this will help create a silky sauce later!
4. Drain & Set Aside: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while we prepare the garlic butter sauce.

Pro Tip: Adding salt to boiling water enhances the pasta’s flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Now that we have our pasta perfectly cooked and ready, it’s time to create the heart of this dish—the garlic butter sauce. This sauce is what gives our Garlic Butter Pasta its rich, velvety texture and irresistible aroma. Let’s dive right in!

Step 2: Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce

A good garlic butter sauce is all about balance. The garlic should be golden and fragrant, not burnt, and the butter should coat every strand of pasta with its creamy richness.

How to Make the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt gently.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in 4 cloves of freshly minced garlic and cook for 30-40 seconds until fragrant. Be careful—it can burn quickly!
3. Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of olive oil (1 tablespoon) to prevent the butter from browning too fast.
4. Spice It Up: Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a little heat. If you love a mild, buttery flavor, you can skip this step.
5. Add Pasta Water: Pour in ¼ cup of reserved pasta water and stir continuously to emulsify the sauce. This step creates a silky, restaurant-quality sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Pro Tip: If your garlic turns brown too quickly, reduce the heat immediately. Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter!

Step 3: Combining Pasta and Sauce

Now that our garlic butter sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together!

1. Add the Pasta: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs, gently mix everything so the sauce evenly coats every strand.
2. Adjust the Texture: If the pasta looks dry, add a little more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the perfect consistency.
3. Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed. The Parmesan will add some saltiness, so taste before adding extra!
4. Final Touch: Sprinkle ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier.
5. Garnish & Serve: Finish with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top.

Pro Tip: For an ultra-creamy version, stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream before adding the Parmesan!

Step 4: Serving & Pairing Suggestions

Now that your Garlic Butter Pasta is ready, it’s time to plate it like a pro! Twirl it onto a plate, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for color.

What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pasta?

This dish is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are some perfect pairings:

Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach.
Bread: Garlic bread or a warm baguette for dipping.
Drink: A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing lemonade.

Fun Fact: In Italy, pasta is usually served as a first course, followed by a protein-based main dish. But hey, we love our Garlic Butter Pasta as a main course too!

Common Problems & Quick Fixes

Even the simplest recipes can go wrong sometimes. Here are some common issues and easy solutions to make sure your Garlic Butter Pasta turns out perfect every time!

1. Why Is My Garlic Butter Pasta Too Dry?

👉 Solution: Add a little extra pasta water or a splash of olive oil to bring back the moisture.

2. How Do I Prevent the Garlic from Burning?

👉 Solution: Keep the heat low and stir constantly. You can also add a bit of olive oil to slow down the cooking process.

3. What If My Sauce Is Too Oily?

👉 Solution: Add a splash of lemon juice or Parmesan to balance out the richness.

4. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

👉 Solution: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or butter to bring back the creamy texture.

Explore More Delicious Recipes

• Easy Asian Garlic Noodle Recipe.

Final Thoughts: The Best Garlic Butter Pasta Ever!

And there you have it a rich, buttery, and utterly delicious Garlic Butter Pasta that’s ready in just 15 minutes! Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing your guests, this dish will never disappoint.

Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Butter Garlic Noodles, Creamy Garlic Pasta

So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every bite of this comfort food classic.

Happy Cooking With Mouny Chef ❤️!

Garlic Butter Pasta

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• Author: Mouny
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy and rich Garlic Butter Pasta made with simple ingredients in just 15 minutes This dish features a buttery garlic sauce infused with Parmesan and fresh parsley making it a perfect quick meal or elegant dinner option

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta 250g spaghetti or fettuccine
Garlic 4 cloves minced
Butter 3 tablespoons unsalted
Olive Oil 1 tablespoon
Parmesan Cheese ½ cup freshly grated
Red Pepper Flakes ¼ teaspoon optional
Salt To taste
Black Pepper To taste
Pasta Water ¼ cup reserved
Fresh Parsley 2 tablespoons chopped for garnish

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water then drain and set aside
In a large skillet over medium heat melt butter then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 40 seconds until fragrant Be careful not to burn it
Stir in olive oil and red pepper flakes then pour in the reserved pasta water stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet tossing to coat evenly in the garlic butter sauce If needed add more pasta water one tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency
Season with salt and black pepper to taste then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and toss until well combined and melted into the sauce
Remove from heat garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired
Serve immediately and enjoy

Notes

For an extra creamy texture add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream before tossing in the Parmesan
For a protein boost add grilled chicken shrimp or crispy bacon
Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre packaged cheese for the best flavor
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter to restore creaminess

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Garlic Butter Pasta, Creamy Garlic Pasta, Butter Garlic Noodles