Delicious Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe: A Savory Staple for Any Occasion

In a world filled with endless choices of pasta dishes, there is one that stands out for its simplicity and versatility – garlic butter pasta. This beloved recipe is perfect for those days when you're in the mood for something comforting yet not overly complicated. Garlic butter pasta provides a delightful balance between savory flavors and lightness, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike.

For this recipe, we will be preparing garlic butter pasta that serves four people. The cooking time is approximately 35 minutes, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the process while also being efficient enough not to keep everyone waiting too long!

Ingredients

• 400 grams (14 ounces) of linguine or spaghetti pasta
• 5-6 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup butter
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

To start off, bring a large pot of water to boil. Salt the water generously; about 1 tablespoon per liter should do the trick. While waiting for the pasta to cook, prepare your sauce by melting the butter in a pan over medium heat.

Once all ingredients are ready, add the minced garlic into the melted butter and let it sauté until golden but not browned. It's crucial at this stage not to burn or overcook the garlic as burning would give off an unpleasant taste. This step will take around 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, once your pasta water is boiling vigorously with salt, carefully add in the linguine and stir well so that each strand gets fully immersed in hot water. Set a timer for about 8-10 minutes depending on how al dente you prefer your noodles; softer times are around 9-10 minutes.

After the pasta has cooked enough time, drain it thoroughly using a colander and return to the pot immediately if possible or transfer the drained pasta back into its cooking vessel. Add half of the garlic butter mixture to the pasta allowing the warmth of the pasta to help melt the remaining butter. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

At this point, taste your pasta; check for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Pour in the remaining garlic butter sauce slowly while stirring continuously so that every bite gets a rich flavor from both the garlic and butter. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

Tips and Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding different types of pasta such as fusilli or farfalle for variety. You can also substitute half-and-half with heavy cream if you want a richer, creamier texture without changing the overall taste significantly. Adding some Parmesan cheese towards the end could elevate this dish even more.

Garlic butter pasta is incredibly versatile; you can enjoy it on its own as a side dish or paired alongside grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, or shrimp. Its mellow yet robust flavor works beautifully with various proteins and vegetable combinations.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this recipe per serving (assuming four servings) includes approximately:

1. Calories: ~450 kcal
2. Fat: ~30g
3. Saturated Fat: ~18g
4. Carbohydrates: ~60g
5. Fiber: ~4g
6. Protein: ~20g

Conclusion

Garlic butter pasta is more than just another pasta dish; it's a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. With minimal effort and time, you can transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals that everyone will love. Whether you're looking for an easy dinner option or want to impress guests with your culinary skills, garlic butter pasta offers the perfect balance between ease and deliciousness.