Garlic Parmesan Pasta
A quick, comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce with nutty Parmesan, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is essential; consider adding garlic powder for extra flavor.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter Use unsalted to control the salt level; optional to add olive oil.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is preferred for optimal flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper Use to balance flavors.
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped Optional; adds color and freshness.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Drop in your pasta and cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the starchy water.
Preparing the Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbling and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Toss in your drained pasta, mixing thoroughly in the garlic butter.
- Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, try including a pinch of red pepper flakes or sun-dried tomatoes. Best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.