Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

$- 200g spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt, to taste - Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish To make a great Minute Garlic Butter Pasta, gather these simple ingredients. Spaghetti is my go-to, but you can use any pasta you like. The unsalted butter gives a rich base. I love using fresh garlic for its strong flavor. A hint of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat. Next, let’s talk about seasonings. Salt is key to enhance the dish. Freshly cracked black pepper gives a nice kick. If you want to go the extra mile, adding Parmesan cheese makes it creamy and delicious. Lastly, chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds color. This recipe is easy, quick, and packed with flavor. You’ll enjoy each bite of this garlic butter delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. This step is key for flavor. Once boiling, add 200g of your choice of pasta. I love using spaghetti, but you can pick any pasta you want. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. When done, remember to save a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Next, let’s make the sauce. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. Watch it melt and start to froth. This is when you add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes. You want it to smell amazing and turn lightly golden, so don’t let it burn! After that, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a nice kick. Stir it for about 30 seconds to release the flavors. Now comes the fun part! Add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss it well to coat the spaghetti in the garlic butter sauce. If it feels dry, slowly add some of that reserved pasta water. This will help make it nice and saucy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss again for good measure. If you want, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until it melts into the pasta. This adds a nice creamy touch. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh garlic adds a bold taste. Butter should be unsalted for control over saltiness. Always use quality pasta, as it holds sauce well. Pasta water is your secret weapon. It has starch that gives the sauce a nice texture. When you add a little to your pasta, it coats well and makes it creamy. If your dish feels dry, just use a splash of that saved water. Make your dish look inviting. Serve the pasta in deep bowls. This helps the colors pop and keeps it warm. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for flair. A drizzle of melted butter gives it a shiny look. Garnish with fresh parsley. It adds a nice green color and fresh taste. You can also use crushed red pepper for a bit of heat and visual contrast. Your meal will not just taste good; it will also look great! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred options, enhancing the overall taste of your pasta. Adjust Heat Level: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. For a milder dish, reduce the amount or omit it altogether. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It’s starchy and helps to create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other fresh herbs like basil or oregano for an additional layer of flavor and freshness in your dish. {{image_2}} You can change your pasta to fit your needs. Whole wheat pasta is a great choice. It adds fiber and a nutty taste. Gluten-free pasta is also an option. Many brands make tasty gluten-free pasta that cooks well. You can also try different shapes. Fusilli, penne, or even farfalle work well. Each shape holds the sauce differently, giving a new twist to your dish. To make this dish more exciting, add vegetables. Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli can brighten the meal. You can also add proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra heartiness. Fresh herbs make a big difference too. Basil, thyme, or oregano can add fresh notes. If you like spice, try different peppers. You can use jalapeños for a bolder kick or even a bit of sriracha. Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Just remember, start small and taste as you go. This way, you can find the perfect heat level for you. To store leftovers of Minute Garlic Butter Pasta, let it cool first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For storage containers, use glass or plastic containers with tight seals. These prevent spills and keep the pasta fresh. Make sure they are clean and dry before adding the pasta. The best way to reheat pasta is on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or a little butter to keep it moist. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a bit of water, cover it, and heat in short bursts. This helps maintain the texture and flavor. Avoid overheating, as it can make the pasta dry. Enjoy your meal again! Preparing Minute Garlic Butter Pasta takes just 5 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. You can have a delicious meal in only 15 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for busy days. Yes, you can make this pasta ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it, just reheat in a pan over low heat. Add a bit of butter or water to keep it moist. If you don't have Parmesan cheese, there are great alternatives. You can try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast works well for a dairy-free option. Crumbled feta or goat cheese can also add nice flavors. In this article, we covered how to make Minute Garlic Butter Pasta with simple ingredients and easy steps. I shared tips to enhance the flavor and offered variations to suit your taste. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Store leftovers properly and reheat wisely to enjoy each bite. With these techniques, your pasta will always impress. Enjoy the journey of cooking and exploring new flavors!$

Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

A quick and delicious pasta dish with garlic butter and optional Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

200 g spaghetti or your choice of pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste Salt
to taste Freshly cracked black pepper
1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Once the butter is melted and begins to froth, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat. Cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the spaghetti in the garlic butter sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Toss again to ensure even distribution.
If desired, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and toss until melted and mixed well throughout the pasta.
Remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve the pasta in deep bowls with an extra sprinkling of Parmesan and parsley on top. Drizzle some additional melted butter for a glossy finish!

Keyword butter, garlic, pasta, quick meal