Rich Buttery Garlic Pasta
This incredibly easy garlic butter pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes using pantry staples. Rich, buttery sauce infused with aromatic garlic coats every strand of pasta for a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something indulgent without the fuss.
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Servings: 4
Calories: 285kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 garlic cloves minced
- 3 cups chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese grated (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce reduces slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. If needed, add pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Don't let the garlic brown or it will become bitter - cook just until fragrant
Reserve pasta water as the starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta
You can substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock to make this vegetarian
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
For extra richness, finish with an additional tablespoon of butter
This recipe works well with any pasta shape, though long pasta like spaghetti or linguine are ideal
Leftover pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheated with a splash of stock
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 680mg | Potassium: 245mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g