Simple buttery pasta with toasted garlic and Parmesan
15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep Time
3 min
Cook Time
12 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
15-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta
Simple buttery pasta with toasted garlic and Parmesan
★4.4(5)
Silky garlic butter pasta with toasted garlic, Parmesan, and fresh parsley. The ultimate pantry meal ready in just 15 minutes.
3m
Prep Time
12m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
When the pantry is bare and time is short, garlic butter pasta saves the day. Five basic ingredients transform into a deeply satisfying, restaurant-worthy bowl of pasta.
This is comfort food at its finest — simple, quick, and infinitely comforting.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- 1
Cook pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- 2
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook 2-3 minutes until golden.
- 3
Add red pepper flakes and cook 10 more seconds.
- 4
Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously to emulsify.
- 5
Add Parmesan and parsley, tossing until the cheese melts into a silky sauce. Add more pasta water if needed.
- 6
Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
ButterOlive oil
Lighter, dairy-free option — use extra virgin for flavor
ParmesanPecorino Romano
Sharper, saltier — use a little less
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Slice the garlic thin so it toasts evenly — do not mince or it will burn.
Keep the heat at medium-low for the garlic. Golden is perfect; brown is bitter.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 2 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce so it's best fresh.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water and a pat of butter over medium heat.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (55mg) · 2 servings
Calories520
LowModerateHigh
A hearty, energy-rich serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein16g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat62g
Fiber580mg
Sugar3g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why save pasta water?
- The starchy water helps create a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the pasta.
- Can I add protein?
- Sauteed shrimp, crispy pancetta, or a fried egg on top are all excellent additions.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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