Pasta With Garlic Butter Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is all about the magic of garlic and butter working together. Cooking the garlic slowly mellows its sharpness and brings out a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for company. With endless topping options—like fresh herbs, Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes—you can make it your own while keeping the stars of the show front and center.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 head garlic
Kosher salt
½ pound your favorite pasta
¼ cup unsalted butter
Optional bonuses: roughly chopped parsley, red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper, grated Parmesan or pecorino

Directions

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. While waiting, peel and finely mince all the garlic cloves.

2. Salt the boiling water generously and add pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente.

3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium to medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and pour into a serving bowl.

4. Using a spider or tongs, transfer pasta directly into the garlic butter sauce, allowing some pasta water to come along. Toss well.

5. Add more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Top with any desired bonuses and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Herb-forward – Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary at the end.

• Spicy kick – Stir in red pepper flakes with the garlic.

• Cheesy version – Toss with grated Parmesan or pecorino.

• Lemon-garlic – Add lemon zest and juice just before serving for brightness.

• Seafood twist – Top with sautéed shrimp or scallops.

Storage/Reheating

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or butter to refresh the sauce. Freezing is not recommended.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic?

Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced will work in a pinch.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep the heat medium-low and remove from the pan as soon as it turns golden.

What pasta shapes work best?

Chunky shapes like fusilli or rigatoni hold garlic bits well, but spaghetti or linguine also work beautifully.

Can I make it with salted butter?

Yes—just reduce the amount of added salt.

Is a whole head of garlic too much?

No—the slow cooking mellows it into a sweet, nutty flavor.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini before serving.

How much pasta water should I add?

Start with ¼ cup and adjust until you reach a silky, loose sauce.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes—swap butter for a quality plant-based alternative.

What’s the best way to chop garlic for this recipe?

Finely mince for an even distribution and quick cooking.

Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

You can, but it’s best made fresh to keep the garlic flavor vibrant.

Conclusion

Pasta with garlic butter sauce is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With minimal effort and maximum payoff, it’s a versatile, satisfying recipe that belongs in your weeknight dinner rotation and your comfort food repertoire.

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