Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe for Quick Weeknight Wins

Name: Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti (or linguine, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta); 4 tablespoons (60 grams) unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Written by

David

Posted on August 3, 2025

Recipes

August 3, 2025

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If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is your answer! With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that feels indulgent but is so easy to pull off. Imagine silky strands of pasta coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Hungry yet? Let’s dive in!

The Story Behind Garlic Butter Pasta

Garlic butter pasta is one of those dishes that seems too good to be true. It’s so simple, yet it delivers big on flavor. This recipe has its roots in Italian cuisine—a cuisine that’s all about using a few high-quality ingredients to create magic. While it’s not a traditional Italian pasta dish like carbonara or cacio e pepe, it takes inspiration from their philosophy of simplicity.

I first discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week. With no time to spare and a nearly empty fridge, I turned to my pantry. Butter, garlic, pasta, and Parmesan were all I had, and boy, did they deliver. Since then, it’s become a go-to in my household. Whether it’s a busy Monday or a lazy Sunday, this dish always hits the spot.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as is, or jazz it up with veggies, protein, or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s perfect for any season. Warm and comforting in the cooler months, yet light enough for summer evenings. What’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient in this garlic butter pasta recipe plays an important role, so here’s how to pick the best and make substitutions if needed:

Pasta: Spaghetti is my go-to, but linguine or fettuccine work beautifully too. For gluten-free options, try chickpea or rice-based pasta.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. European-style butter adds an extra creamy touch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. Look for firm, plump cloves without any green shoots.
Parmesan Cheese: Go for freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for the best flavor. Pre-grated versions just don’t melt the same way.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a layer of richness and prevents the butter from burning.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred, but curly works in a pinch.
Salt and Pepper: Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper make all the difference.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add red pepper flakes for a little heat or swap out parsley for basil if that’s what you have.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to whip up this easy garlic butter pasta, which is one of the reasons I love it so much. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Make sure it’s big enough to give the pasta room to move around.
Colander: To drain the pasta. Save a cup of pasta water before draining!
Large Skillet: This is where the magic happens. A stainless steel or non-stick skillet works well.
Microplane or Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese and zesting lemon if you’re feeling fancy.
Tongs: To toss the pasta in the sauce evenly.

Don’t have a large skillet? Use a wide saucepan instead. And if you’re grating Parmesan by hand, a box grater works just fine too.

How to Make Garlic Butter Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons (60 grams) of butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown—it should be golden and aromatic.
Create the Sauce: Lower the heat and add a splash of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir to create a creamy, emulsified sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle in 1/2 cup (50 grams) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and top with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this for a crowd, keep the pasta warm by placing the skillet over very low heat and stirring occasionally.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tips to make sure your garlic butter pasta turns out perfect every time:

Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic can taste bitter and ruin the dish. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly.
Save That Pasta Water: The starchy water is key to creating a silky sauce. Don’t skip this step!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and parsley make a world of difference in flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before serving. Add more cheese, salt, or pepper as needed.
Work Quickly: Toss the pasta in the sauce while it’s still hot to help everything meld together.

And remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t stress too much—it’s hard to mess this up!

Variations & Adaptations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your taste:

Add Protein: Toss in cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for some heat.
Go Green: Stir in spinach, kale, or peas for a veggie boost.
Dairy-Free: Swap butter for vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the recipe as usual.

One of my favorite variations is adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and some zest for a bright, citrusy twist.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is hot. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal. If you’re serving it as a side, it goes beautifully with grilled fish or roasted chicken.

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it in a skillet over low heat.

Pro Tip: The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers might taste even better the next day!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick nutritional breakdown for a single serving of garlic butter pasta:

Calories: Approximately 400-450
Protein: 12 grams
Carbohydrates: 50 grams
Fat: 15 grams

This recipe is indulgent but provides a good dose of energy from the carbs, while the garlic offers some antioxidant benefits. If you’re looking to make it lighter, opt for whole wheat or veggie-based pasta.

Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. It’s quick, customizable, and utterly delicious—a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this pasta delivers every time.

Give it a try and let me know how you made it your own! Did you add veggies? A protein? Drop a comment below or share your creation on social media. I’d love to see your version!

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite. Trust me, this one will have you coming back for seconds!

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is highly recommended for the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic will work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon per clove.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, or even penne work great. Use what you have!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to toss with freshly cooked pasta.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What’s a good substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano is a fantastic alternative. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast.