You’re about to commence on the creation of a classic Garlic Butter Pasta, a dish renowned for its simplicity and exquisite taste.
By employing precise measurements and refined techniques, you’ll transform basic ingredients like minced garlic and grated Parmesan into a culinary masterpiece.
With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those seeking efficiency without compromising flavor.
Ready to enhance your culinary skills with a timeless favorite?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing and cooking Garlic Butter Pasta, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients/Equipment (5 minutes):
- Read through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- Gather all the necessary equipment: large pot, colander, large skillet, wooden spoon, chef’s knife, and cutting board.
- Collect all the ingredients: spaghetti, unsalted butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Preparation (5 minutes):
- Mince 4 cloves of garlic.
- Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.
- Measure out other ingredients like butter, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
- Cooking (15 minutes total):
- Step 1 (2 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Step 2 (8 minutes): Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, start Step 4.
- Step 4 (2 minutes): In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Step 5 (2 minutes): Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 3 (1 minute): Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
- Step 6 (2 minutes): Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter.
- Step 7 (1 minute): Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue tossing.
- Step 8 (1 minute): Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 9 (1 minute): Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Note: The timeline assumes multitasking, such as melting the butter and sautéing garlic while the pasta is cooking. Adjust the timing slightly if needed based on your cooking pace.
Recipe Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese is well incorporated.
Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Chicken: Add some slices of grilled chicken on top for extra protein and a hearty meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious side.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for an extra dose of garlic flavor and a satisfying crunch.
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Lemon Wedges: Offer lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus burst that enhances the flavors.
Storage
To store garlic butter pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freezing
To freeze garlic butter pasta, cool it completely.
Divide it into portions.
Place in airtight containers or freezer bags, and label.
Reheat gently.
Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.
Reheating
To reheat Garlic Butter Pasta, use a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat.
Stir frequently. This prevents drying and retains flavors.
Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Pasta is a delightful, simple dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic and butter with the comforting texture of al dente spaghetti.
This Italian classic is quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings.
The dish is elevated with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a touch of fresh parsley, adding a hint of freshness and depth.
Remember to manage the heat carefully to avoid burning the garlic, and consider keeping some pasta water aside to perfect the sauce’s texture.
Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a side, Garlic Butter Pasta is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Spaghetti?
You can substitute whole wheat pasta for regular spaghetti. Cook it 2-3 minutes longer than standard pasta; whole wheat absorbs more moisture. Monitor texture closely to achieve al dente. Adjust seasoning as whole wheat may alter flavor slightly.
Is There a Substitute for Parmesan Cheese in This Recipe?
You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile. Make certain you adjust the amount, as these cheeses vary in saltiness. Use 1/4 cup finely grated to match the original consistency.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Substitute regular spaghetti with 400 grams of gluten-free spaghetti. Verify it’s al dente by checking a minute earlier than package instructions. Use gluten-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for flavor. Maintain ingredient ratios for consistency.
What Protein Can I Add to Enhance the Dish?
You can enhance the dish by adding 200 grams of cooked shrimp or grilled chicken. Sauté shrimp or sear chicken until golden, then incorporate into the skillet, ensuring even distribution for balanced flavors and textures.
Can I Use Dried Parsley Instead of Fresh?
You can substitute dried parsley for fresh, using 1 teaspoon dried for 1 tablespoon fresh, due to its concentrated flavor. Add it during the sauté stage to allow its flavors to meld effectively with the garlic butter.
Garlic Butter Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the spaghetti in a colander and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese is well incorporated.
- Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
