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Pasta With Garlic Butter Sauce

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A quick, comforting pasta dish featuring an entire head of garlic slowly cooked in butter until golden and sweet. Starchy pasta water emulsifies into the garlic butter, creating a silky, flavorful sauce perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 head garlic, cloves peeled and finely minced

Kosher salt

½ pound pasta (your choice)

¼ cup unsalted butter

Optional: chopped parsley, red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper, grated Parmesan or pecorino

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Peel and finely mince all the garlic cloves.
  2. Salt the boiling water generously and add pasta. Cook until al dente according to package directions.
  3. While pasta cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium to medium-low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, 3–7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and pour into a large serving bowl.
  4. Using a spider or tongs, transfer pasta directly into the garlic butter sauce, allowing some pasta water to come along.
  5. Toss well, adding more pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce.
  6. Top with optional herbs, cheese, or spices. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • For brightness, add lemon zest and juice before serving.
  • Seafood like shrimp or scallops can be added for a heartier dish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/pasta-with-garlic-butter-sauce/