Easy Garlic Butter Pasta

Easy garlic butter pasta always makes me think of a night when I wanted something quick and cozy and I remember standing in my kitchen, tossing hot pasta in a skillet with melted butter and minced garlic and the aroma was so inviting that it instantly lifted my mood and as I sprinkled in freshly grated Parmesan and cracked black pepper, I knew it would be one of those dishes I’d crave again and again and when I finally twirled that first forkful, it was buttery, garlicky, and so satisfying that I couldn’t stop smiling.

I love making easy garlic butter pasta because it feels like a warm hug on a plate and it’s simple, comforting, and ready in no time and whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a late-night treat, it always hits the spot and reminds me that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Spaghetti or any long pasta – The perfect base to soak up that buttery sauce.
• Butter – The star that brings rich, creamy flavor to the dish.
• Garlic – Adds bold, aromatic depth that makes every bite irresistible.
• Parmesan cheese – For a salty, nutty finish.
• Fresh parsley – Adds brightness and a fresh pop of color.
• Lemon juice – A splash of tang to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the pasta perfectly.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of gentle heat.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To boil the pasta to al dente perfection.
• Skillet – For melting the butter and sautéing the garlic.
• Tongs – Perfect for tossing the pasta with the sauce.
• Microplane or grater – To freshly grate Parmesan.
• Knife – For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Cutting board – A safe surface for prepping.

Instructions

Step 1

I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt the butter until it’s foamy and lightly golden.

Step 3

I add minced garlic and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to keep it from burning.

Step 4

I add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter.

Step 5

I pour in a bit of reserved pasta water as needed to help create a silky sauce that clings to each strand.

Step 6

I stir in grated Parmesan and toss until melted and creamy.

Step 7

I finish by adding fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, and season generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 8

I serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Tips

For a richer flavor, I sometimes add a splash of cream or a drizzle of good olive oil at the end. If you like seafood, tossing in some sautéed shrimp or scallops makes this dish feel extra special. You can also try adding spinach or baby arugula for a bit of green freshness.

Ways to Serve

I love serving easy garlic butter pasta on its own as a simple main dish, or alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a more complete meal. It’s also great as a base for grilled chicken or fish, and leftovers are just as tasty the next day reheated with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Just follow the same steps and check the package instructions for cooking time.

How do I keep the pasta from clumping?

Make sure to reserve some pasta water and toss quickly after adding it to the skillet.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead and reheat with fresh pasta when ready.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this easy garlic butter pasta a try! It’s buttery, garlicky, and so comforting truly a recipe I always turn to when I need something simple and delicious. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please leave a comment or share a photo. And if you love it, don’t forget to save it for your next quick dinner fix.

Happy Cooking!