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Best Quick Garlic Butter Pasta in 15 Minutes

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A quick and easy garlic butter pasta ready in just 15 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this silky, fragrant dish is perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) dried pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Start checking a minute before the package says.
  3. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the sliced or minced garlic to the melted butter. Cook for 60-90 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant and just barely golden.
  5. Remove the skillet from the heat temporarily to prevent the garlic from overcooking.
  6. Just before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
  7. Drain the pasta well, but do not rinse it.
  8. Return the skillet with the garlic butter to medium-low heat. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat.
  9. Add ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet and toss vigorously. Add more pasta water if needed, a tablespoon at a time.
  10. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust.
  11. Remove from heat and toss in fresh parsley if using.
  12. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use good quality butter for best results. Do not burn the garlic; keep heat medium-low and stir constantly. Reserve a full cup of pasta water even if you only use half. Cook pasta one minute less than package directions for perfect al dente texture. Serve immediately for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, quick pasta, 15 minute pasta, easy weeknight dinner, garlic pasta, butter pasta

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