Sometimes, simple is best – and this garlic butter pasta recipe is proof. I’ve been making this as an easy and delicious side dish to serve alongside proteins for years , and I love how it delivers the right balance of buttery richness and savory garlic. I’ll show you the way it’s done.
This garlic butter pasta might look simple, but don’t let that fool you—the noodles are packed with flavor. It’s one of those back-pocket recipes I rely on when I need something quick, comforting, and guaranteed to go over well.
I cook the pasta until al dente, then use the starchy pasta water to bring together melted butter, plenty of garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan into a silky sauce that coats every strand. A pinch of sea salt and black pepper balances everything out, and a handful of chopped parsley adds freshness and a pop of color.
It comes together with just a few pantry staples and works as either a cozy side dish or an easy base for whatever protein I’m serving. Simple, quick, and endlessly versatile—this is the kind of recipe I make on repeat.
A few variations to try
Garlic, butter, and pasta are three of my favorite foods, so you can’t go wrong when you put them together in one dish! If you want to add any flavor variations, here are some of my top suggestions:
- Veggie boost: A handful of spinach added towards the end of the cooking process is an easy way to add greens. You can also throw in some roasted bell pepper slices, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Herb infusion: Add some Italian seasoning or include some extra fresh herbs. I like fresh basil.
- Creamy garlic pasta: Stir in a spoonful of ricotta to give it a velvety, creamy finish.
- Lemon : Brighten it with some lemon zest and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Serving suggestions
This simple yet flavorful pasta pairs especially well with my lemon pepper chicken , creamy chicken lazone , or creamy chicken mushroom recipe .
The beauty of this pasta dish is its simplicity, and that makes it easy to pair with just about any protein-based main.
Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
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Ingredients
- ▢ 8 ounces dried pasta
- ▢ 6 cloves garlic
- ▢ 4 tablespoons butter
- ▢ 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ▢ ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ▢ ¼ cup minced parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Remove 1 cup of pasta water from the pot then drain the pasta then return it to the pot. 8 ounces dried pasta
- While the water is heating, make the garlic butter sauce. Mince 3 cloves of the garlic and slice the other 3 cloves. 6 cloves garlic
- Heat the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the salt and pepper. 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- After you return the pasta to the pot, pour the garlic butter sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat. Add the parmesan cheese and a splash of the pasta water and toss the pasta again. Add just enough pasta water so that it creates a light sauce – you likely won’t use it all. Mix in the minced parsley then serve it right away. ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, ¼ cup minced parsley
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Notes
Nutrition
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Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pasta
- 6 cloves garlic
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup minced parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Remove 1 cup of pasta water from the pot then drain the pasta then return it to the pot. 8 ounces dried pasta
- While the water is heating, make the garlic butter sauce. Mince 3 cloves of the garlic and slice the other 3 cloves. 6 cloves garlic
- Heat the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the salt and pepper. 4 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon sea salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- After you return the pasta to the pot, pour the garlic butter sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat. Add the parmesan cheese and a splash of the pasta water and toss the pasta again. Add just enough pasta water so that it creates a light sauce - you likely won’t use it all. Mix in the minced parsley then serve it right away. ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, ¼ cup minced parsley
