Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta, featuring spaghetti tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or cozy gatherings, this dish is simple to prepare and sure to please!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and stir gently. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing.
- In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, being careful not to brown it.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- If using, add red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
- Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the sauce.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss until melted and evenly distributed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Squeeze in lemon juice for added brightness, if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Twirl the pasta onto plates or into bowls.
- Finish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley for garnish. Optionally, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the Parmesan cheese is rennet-free.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes