Ingredients
Garlic Butter Pasta Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta
- 6 cloves garlic (3 minced, 3 sliced)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup minced parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Prep garlic: While the water is heating, prepare the garlic by mincing 3 cloves and slicing the other 3 cloves thinly to create a mix of textures and flavors in the sauce.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the sea salt and black pepper to season the sauce.
- Finish pasta: Pour the garlic butter sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot. Toss well to evenly coat the noodles. Add the grated parmesan cheese and a splash of the reserved pasta water, tossing again to combine. Gradually add more pasta water as needed to create a light, silky sauce that clings to the pasta. Stir in the minced parsley to add freshness, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps create a smooth sauce that coats the noodles well.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste; sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Feel free to add chili flakes for a little heat if desired.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
