Pasta · Easy
Garlic Butter Parmesan Pasta
This garlic butter parmesan pasta is a simple, rich pantry-staple dinner tossed with melted butter, garlic, and plenty of cheese in about 15 minutes.
Loading rating…What you'll need
- 12 ozspaghetti or fettuccine
- 5 tablespoonsbutter
- 4 clovesgarlic, minced
- 3/4 cupgrated parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and black pepper
- for garnish chopped parsley
Let's cook
- 1Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions; reserve 3/4 cup pasta water and drain.
- 2Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- 3Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of pasta water and toss to coat.
- 4Remove from heat and stir in the parmesan cheese, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
- 5Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Make it yours
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Stir in red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Toss in sautéed mushrooms.
Good with
- A simple side salad
- Garlic bread
- Extra parmesan at the table
Frequently asked questions
Good questions, answered.
Why save pasta water?
The starchy water helps the butter and cheese emulsify into a smooth, clingy sauce without needing extra cream.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta all pair well with this simple sauce.
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