Print

Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs for Perfect Weeknight Dinner

garlic butter pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting garlic butter pasta with Parmesan and fresh herbs, perfect for busy weeknights. This simple recipe uses pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful meal in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt) for pasta water and seasoning
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon zest from 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add about 1 tablespoon of salt.
  2. Cook the pasta in the boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) of pasta cooking water before draining.
  4. Drain the pasta using a colander without rinsing.
  5. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons (60 g) of unsalted butter.
  6. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not browned.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic butter.
  8. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches a silky, slightly creamy texture (about 2-3 tablespoons).
  9. Mix in 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  10. Remove from heat and fold in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and optional 2 tablespoons chopped basil.
  11. Season with freshly ground black pepper and adjust salt if needed.
  12. Add lemon zest if using for a bright finish.
  13. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herb leaves if desired.

Notes

Do not burn the garlic; cook on medium-low heat and stir constantly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add fresh herbs off heat to preserve flavor. Grate your own Parmesan for best melting and flavor. If sauce is too thick, add more pasta water; if too thin, add more Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, easy pasta recipe, Parmesan pasta, weeknight dinner, quick pasta, fresh herbs pasta

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/easy-garlic-butter-pasta-recipe-with-parmesan-and-fresh-herbs-for-perfect-weeknight-dinner/