Quick Garlic Butter Pasta

Name: Quick Garlic Butter Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I absolutely adore whipping up this Quick Garlic Butter Pasta whenever I find myself short on time but craving something truly delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients come together to create a rich, buttery sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. With just a few cloves of garlic and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, I can transform a mundane meal into something special in less than 20 minutes. It’s quick, satisfying, and always seems to hit the spot!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-03T18:53:27.443Z

When I first attempted making garlic butter pasta, I marveled at how quickly everything came together. With just pasta, butter, and garlic, I was delighted to discover the depth of flavor I could achieve with minimal effort. The trick is to sauté the garlic gently—just until it’s fragrant—to avoid burning while letting the butter meld perfectly into the pasta.

Over the years, I’ve learned to customize this dish by adding whatever fresh herbs or vegetables I have on hand. Don't underestimate the power of a squeeze of lemon juice at the end; it brightens everything up and takes this simple meal to new heights!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Incredibly quick and easy to prepare
Rich garlic flavor complemented by creamy butter
Versatile and can be customized with various ingredients

      

The Role of Garlic

Garlic is the star of this Quick Garlic Butter Pasta, providing a depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. When sautéing, aim for a light golden color to prevent bitterness; if you start to smell a strong aroma, that’s your cue to add the pasta promptly. Fresh garlic helps achieve a pungent, slightly sweet note, but if you're caught without it, you can use garlic powder. However, the flavor profile will be milder.

For the best results, slice the garlic thinly instead of mincing it, as this allows for more even cooking and prevents burning. Cooking garlic in butter enhances its savory qualities, and the fats help carry and amplify its flavor, ensuring every bite of pasta is aromatic and delicious.

Perfecting the Pasta

When cooking your pasta, the timing is crucial; undercooked pasta will not hold onto the garlic butter sauce properly. Start checking for doneness a minute before the package’s suggested cooking time. You want it al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. This texture also helps it absorb the sauce better, making every twirl on your fork a burst of flavor.

Don’t forget to reserve that cup of pasta water! It’s your secret weapon for achieving a silky, glossy sauce. The starch in the water acts as a binding agent, helping the butter adhere to the pasta while adding a creamy consistency. If the pasta seems dry after mixing, gradually add small amounts of the reserved water until you reach the desired sauciness.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

200g spaghetti or your favorite pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Preparation Steps

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Make the Garlic Butter

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.

Combine

Add the drained pasta to the pot with the garlic butter. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. If you're feeling adventurous, toss in some cherry tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra touch, consider adding cooked proteins such as shrimp or grilled chicken, which pair wonderfully with the buttery garlic base. You can also toss in seasonal vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas right before serving to enhance the dish with color and nutrients. This versatility allows you to tailor the meal according to what you have on hand.

This pasta is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating can be done on the stovetop with a splash of water to revive the sauce. Always stir gently to avoid breaking down the pasta too much during reheating.

Make-Ahead and Variations

While this dish is quick, you can still prepare certain elements ahead of time. Minced garlic can be stored in the fridge for a few days, and pre-cooked pasta can be frozen for longer storage. Just be sure to toss the pasta with a bit of oil before freezing to prevent clumping, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you're ready to use it.

If you're looking for a twist, try adding zest from a lemon along with the parsley for a bright finish, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. You can also substitute olive oil for butter if you're aiming for a lighter version, although this will alter the richness of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or linguine.

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat.

→ What can I add to this pasta for more protein?

You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.