How to Make the Best Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is the epitome of comfort food—rich, fragrant, and astonishingly simple. With a few key ingredients, you can create a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. But wait, are you ready for the secret to making it exceptional? Let’s dive in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 200g (about 7 oz) of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine works wonders)
• 4-5 cloves of garlic (yes, we’re going big on flavor!)
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook Your Pasta Like a Pro

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water—it should taste like the ocean! Add the pasta and cook until just shy of al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Transform Butter and Garlic into Magic

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and butter, letting the butter melt into a golden pool of richness. Mince or finely slice the garlic (smashed garlic works too if you like bold, rustic flavors) and toss it in. Stir gently, and watch as the aroma fills your kitchen.

Pro tip: Keep the heat moderate to avoid burning the garlic. Burnt garlic = bitter disaster.

3. Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing it to coat every strand in that luscious garlic-butter mixture. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water—it’s liquid gold, trust me!

4. Season and Elevate

Season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Crank up the flavor with a handful of freshly chopped parsley and a shower of grated Parmesan cheese. Want to kick it up a notch? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice works like a charm.

5. Serve with Style

Plate your garlic butter pasta like the masterpiece it is. Sprinkle extra parsley and cheese on top for that gourmet touch. Serve immediately because this dish waits for no one!

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter pasta is more than a meal—it’s an experience. With its perfect balance of simplicity and boldness, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. So, are you ready to grab your fork and twirl away? Bon appétit!