This Garlic Butter Pasta is a deliciously simple dish that transforms humble ingredients into a satisfying meal. Savory garlic infused butter envelops tender pasta, enhanced by melted Parmesan cheese, offering an irresistible burst of flavor. Quick and budget-friendly, it pairs perfectly as a main course or as a delightful side for dinner.

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I’ve been experimenting with a simple garlic butter noodles recipe that turned out to be a pretty solid dinner option. I start with 8 oz spaghetti, which is my go-to pasta, then melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a pan.

When the butter starts sizzling, I add 4 cloves minced garlic to let the flavors infuse into the sauce. I toss the warm pasta right into the garlic butter sauce and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese toward the end.

This dish provides a good source of carbohydrates and proteins, with around 350-400 calories per serving and enough calcium and fats to keep you energized. I find that this recipe fits perfectly among easy garlic pasta recipes and plain spaghetti recipes.

It is a real no-fuss butter pasta sauce option that offers a balanced nutritional boost without any complicated steps.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s super fast and easy to whip up on busy days even when I’m really starving. Second, the garlic butter sauce is insanely flavorful – the garlic gets just a bit toasted, making every bite warm and comforting. Third, I really appreciate how simple it is; with only four basic ingredients, it feels like a treat without being fussy or complicated. Fourth, it’s totally versatile – I can serve it as a main dish or throw it on as a side, and it still hits the spot.

This garlic butter pasta is my quick go-to dinner. Its really awesome because you only need a few ingredients and can have a delicious meal in around 20 minutes. I love tossing the hot pasta into the buttery garlic sauce and then stirring in melted Parmesan cheese while it’s still steaming hot. The result is a dish that’s comforting, budget friendly and perfect for when I just want something tasty without much effort.

Ingredients

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Long, slender spaghetti is a carb-packed base that soaks up the butter good.
Its neutral flavor lets the garlic butter sauce really shine on each strand.
Rich, creamy unsalted butter adds smooth texture and a slight dairy sweetness.
The missing salt in butter makes the garlic punch even more the star.
Minced garlic delivers a bold, zesty flavor that hugs every buttered noodle.
It also offers antioxidants and a spicy kick without overpowering the creaminess.
Freshly grated Parmesan gives a sharp, salty, umami boost that ties the dish together.
This aged cheese adds protein and a satisfying cheesy depth to the noodles.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz. spaghetti or your fav pasta

4 tbsp unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make this

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

3. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and just slightly golden.

4. Make sure you lower the heat if it starts to brown too fast cause burnt garlic can ruin the taste.

5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter so that every strand gets coated.

6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese while the pasta is still warm.

7. Continue stirring until the cheese begins to melt and mix well with the noodles.

8. Taste the dish and add a pinch of salt or some pepper if needed.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy your quick garlic butter noodles as a tasty main dish or a side dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – Used to boil the salted water for cooking the pasta.
2. Colander – Needed to drain the pasta after boiling.
3. Large skillet – For melting the butter and lightly frying the garlic.
4. Spatula or wooden spoon – To stir and toss the pasta in the garlic butter.
5. Grater – To grate the Parmesan cheese right before mixing it into the hot pasta.
6. Measuring spoons – For getting the butter and any seasonings just right.
7. Knife and cutting board – For mincing the garlic if it isn’t pre-minced.

FAQ

What pasta works best?

Spaghetti is a great choice but you can use any pasta you like as long as you cook it al dente so it soaks up all that delicious garlic butter.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Sure you can, but butter gives a richer taste. If you switch to olive oil, know that the noodles might not be as creamy.

Is it ok to add extra garlic?

Absolutely, if you love garlic, feel free to toss in an extra clove or two. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook the garlic over a low heat with the butter until it becomes soft and fragrant, so it infuses the flavor without burning.

How should I store any leftovers?

Let the noodles cool a bit then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them gently in a pan.

Garlic Butter Noodles Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have spaghetti, you can use linguine or penne instead, they work just as fine
If you’re out of unsalted butter, try using margarine or even coconut oil, but adjust the flavor accordingly
If you can’t find fresh garlic, garlic powder is a decent substitute—use a bit less cause its more potent
If you dont have Parmesan cheese, pecorino romano or nutritional yeast can be used for a different but tasty twist

Pro Tips

1. Save a small cup of your pasta water before you drain it. Tossing a bit back in when you add the Parmesan helps the cheese melt more smoothly and makes the sauce creamier.

2. Don’t rush that garlic. Let it slow cook in the butter on low heat so it turns a nice light golden instead of burning—burnt garlic tastes bitter and can really mess up the flavor.

3. If you have some fresh herbs like parsley or basil lying around, chop some up and sprinkle them on top after you mix in the cheese; it adds a fresh pop of flavor thats super easy to miss.

4. Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. It really makes a difference over pre-grated cheese because its flavor is brighter and it melts better into the warm noodles.