Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta
This Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just 20 minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The combination of buttery garlic sauce and freshly grated parmesan creates an irresistibly creamy coating that clings to every strand of pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 12 ozpasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
- 6 clovesgarlic, minced
- 6 tbspbutter
- 1 cupgrated parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cupreserved pasta water
- 0.25 cupfresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tspsalt, or to taste
- 0.5 tspblack pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Before draining, carefully reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set aside.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, mince 6 cloves of garlic finely and set aside. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander but do not rinse, as the residual starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- 3
In the same pot used for cooking pasta (now empty and placed back on the stove), melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden, being careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- 4
Return the drained pasta to the pot with the garlic butter and toss well to coat every strand. Reduce heat to low and pour in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, tossing continuously to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
- 5
Add the grated parmesan cheese gradually while tossing the pasta continuously, allowing the cheese to melt into a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add the remaining pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- 6
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, keeping in mind that parmesan is naturally salty. Toss in the chopped fresh parsley and mix well to distribute evenly throughout the pasta.
- 7
Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, as the sauce will thicken as it cools.
