Garlic Butter Pasta

I’ve put together a simple yet deeply flavorful garlic butter pasta that’s quick to make and comforting in every bite. With golden sautéed garlic, melted butter, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a go-to when I want something satisfying and fuss-free.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pasta for its simplicity and elegance. It’s incredibly easy, ready in minutes, and uses just a handful of pantry staples. The garlic butter coats every strand of pasta, and I can dress it up with herbs, cheese, or protein if I want to make it heartier.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• spaghetti or pasta of choice

• unsalted butter

• garlic cloves, finely minced

• salt and pepper

• reserved pasta water

• optional: grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, lemon zest

directions

1. I cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and add the garlic. I sauté it gently for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant and golden.

3. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles.

4. I toss the pasta with the garlic butter until everything is well combined and glossy.

5. I season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in Parmesan, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if using.

6. I serve it warm, with extra cheese or lemon zest for a fresh finish.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes 2–4 servings

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• I add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or veggies for a fuller meal.

• I finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

• I swap half the butter with olive oil for a lighter version.

• I mix in baby spinach or cherry tomatoes right at the end for color and freshness.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet with a splash of water or butter to bring back its silkiness. It also reheats well in the microwave with a bit of stirring.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, I just adjust the added salt accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.

What type of pasta works best?

I usually go with spaghetti or linguine, but any pasta shape works, including penne or fettuccine.

How do I avoid burning the garlic?

I keep the heat medium to low and stir constantly. Garlic cooks quickly and turns bitter if overdone.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I use a vegan butter or olive oil, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Is this good for meal prep?

It’s best fresh, but I do prep it ahead and reheat with a bit of liquid to revive the texture.

Conclusion

This garlic butter pasta is my favorite quick dinner—it’s cozy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. With a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic, it proves that the simplest recipes are often the most satisfying. Whether eaten alone or dressed up, it’s always a winner.