Description
A simple yet indulgent dish with a rich, creamy overlay of butter and a punch of fresh garlic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta, be it spaghetti or another variety, and cook according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, reserve a half-cup of the pasta water, as it will be useful for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later. Drain the remaining water from the pasta, and set it aside.
- In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and, if you like a hint of heat, add the red pepper flakes. Sauté these ingredients for about 1-2 minutes, making sure the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown, which could result in a bitter taste.
- Once your garlic butter is ready, toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring it gets thoroughly coated in the buttery blend. If you find the pasta appears a bit dry, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. This water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a silky finish.
- With the pasta well-coated, season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to suit your taste. Finally, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley if you’re using it. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful creation while it’s warm.
Notes
Use high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor—freshly grated is ideal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Protein: 10 g