Easy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Garlic butter pasta is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for busy weeknight meals or casual dinner parties. If you're looking for an easy, comforting, and delicious meal, this garlic butter pasta recipe is just what you need!

For this garlic butter pasta recipe, we will be making a simple yet flavorful dish that serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

Penne pasta - 500 grams (or as per your preference)
Fresh Garlic Cloves - 6 cloves, minced
Butter - 100 grams
Olive Oil - 3 tablespoons
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Cheese (optional) - Parmesan or Mozzarella Cheese according to your preference.

Instructions

To start the garlic butter pasta preparation process, first boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Typically this takes 8-10 minutes but it can vary depending on the brand of pasta you're using. Once done, strain and set aside.

In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves to the melted butter and sauté for about 2 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter if left too long in the hot butter.

Once your pasta has been drained and set aside, pour the warm butter and garlic mixture over the cooked pasta. Toss everything together so that every strand of pasta is well coated with the buttery garlic sauce.

If you prefer to have more cheesy flavors, now would be a good time to add grated cheese. Mix it thoroughly into your pasta until the desired level of cheesiness has been achieved.

Season both your pasta and sauce generously with salt and pepper for flavor. Taste as you go along; sometimes a bit extra might suit your palate better than just following the recipe instructions perfectly!

Cooking Time & Number of Servings

The entire process, including preparation, boiling pasta, cooking garlic butter, and tossing everything together will take approximately 30 minutes. This dish serves four people very nicely.

Benefits of Garlic Butter Pasta

Pasta dishes are already a hit with most children since it comes in various shapes and sizes that appeal to their senses. Adding the rich flavor profile of garlic butter can make this even more appealing, especially for picky eaters!

Besides being delicious, garlic is also known for its health benefits. It has been used traditionally as a remedy for colds, infections, and other illnesses. Consuming garlic in food forms not only adds zest but also ensures you get those beneficial compounds that support overall well-being.

Vegetarian or Vegan Option

This dish is naturally suitable for vegetarians who love pasta. For vegan versions, you can omit the cheese or use a plant-based substitute if preferred. If you want to make it dairy-free, ensure your butter alternative fits this requirement too.

Select a high-quality non-dairy butter alternative available in most health stores.
Adjust the seasoning based on whether you’re using salted or unsalted versions of your chosen substitutes.

Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips

This dish pairs excellently with fresh salads, a side salad such as Caesar Salad. A glass of white wine can complement this meal nicely too if you're in the mood for something more adult-oriented.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container inside your refrigerator for up to 3 days after making it. For best results, allow any remaining garlic butter pasta to come back to room temperature before serving again; heating it from cold might affect its texture unfavorably.

Garlic butter pasta is not only quick to prepare but also extremely tasty. By following these simple steps and tips provided here today, you can easily whip up this delightful meal at home anytime!