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5-Minute Garlic Butter Pasta

A quick garlic butter pasta made with simple pantry ingredients. Buttery, cozy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 3 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water plus more as needed
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley optional
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Lemon juice optional

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 skillet
  • 1 colander

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  3. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant.
  5. Add the cooked pasta, parmesan, black pepper, and a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Toss until the pasta is glossy and lightly coated.
  7. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, parsley, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice if desired.
  9. Serve warm.

Notes

Save some pasta water before draining. It helps the butter and parmesan turn into a light, glossy sauce. Serve right away for the best texture. Add chicken, shrimp, peas, or spinach to make it more filling.