When I need something fast, easy and full of flavor and comfort, I make this Garlic Butter Pasta. It’s been a go-to for a quick easy dish since I went away to college umpteen years ago!
You will love these Garlic Butter Noodles!
I first started making this when I needed a quick dinner and didn’t have a budget for anything fancy. I originally made this with just butter and a bit of garlic or sometimes garlic salt.
Later, after I had kids, this Garlic Butter Pasta became comfort food that my entire family loved. My original version evolved into a few simple, but perfect ingredients; pasta with butter, garlic and plenty of Parmesan cheese. I’ve also learned over the years a chef’s tip that makes this pasta silkier than ever.
Garlic Pasta Recipe Ingredients
- Pasta - I like to use spaghetti noodles, but any pasta will work. For a quicker cooking dish, try thin spaghetti. You could also use fettucini, bow tie pasta, orecchiette pasta, orzo, or any pasta you have in your pantry.
- Parmesan - For this recipe, I use freshly grated parmesan cheese. The finely grated cheese just melts right into the pasta
- Garlic - You can use as much or as little garlic as you like.
- Butter - I use salted butter
- Pasta Water - Just before your pasta is finished cooking, remove a cup of water. This pasta water will be used to add to the dish to help make it silky smooth. The water adds a bit of starch and salt.
- Fresh Herbs - Freshly chopped parsley is added just before serving. The parsley adds color but also adds a wonderful freshness. Other herbs that you can use include fresh basil or thyme.
How to make Garlic Butter Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until it's cooked al dente or to your preference
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large saucepan over low heat. Add butter and garlic
- Cook just until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant
- Reserve a cup of pasta water. Drain pasta
- Add pasta to garlic butter
6. Add parmesan and toss to coat
7. Add a bit of the pasta water to make everything nice and silky
8. Add freshly chopped parsley and a bit more parmesan cheese
9. Serve hot
Garlic Pasta Recipe Tips
- Use any type of pasta. I like to use spaghetti, but bowtie, fettuccine, or orecchiette works too. Use what you have in your pantry.
- Freshly grated parmesan works best because it just melts right into the pasta
- Slowly add the pasta water. You will probably not need it all.
- Add freshly chopped parsley or other fresh herbs just before serving
How to Store Garlic Butter Pasta
Store any leftover garlic butter pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through. If the pasta becomes a bit dry, add a small amount of butter to the heated pasta and stir to coat.
Butter Garlic Noodles FAQs
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
This dish is best made and served right away. It takes only 15 minutes so there's no reason to make it ahead of time.
Serving suggestions
- Trout Almondine
- Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Pan Fried Shrimp
- Cast Iron Chicken Thighs
- Almond Crusted Fish
More from Beyond the Chicken Coop
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious pasta recipes!
Garlic Pasta (Butter Garlic Noodles)
Equipment
- Zester (for grating parmesan)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (spaghetti noodles)
- 4 tablespoons butter (salted)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- salt
- pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente or cooked to your liking8 ounces pasta
- Scoop out about one cup of the pasta water and set aside
- Drain pasta
- While the pasta is boiling, melt butter in a large pan and add garlic. Cook over low heat for just until the garlic is fragrant. You don't want it browned, just warmed to flavor the butter. Turn off heat.4 tablespoons butter, 1 clove garlic
- Add drained pasta to the pan with the garlic butter. Toss to coat.
- Add parmesan and toss to coat½ cup parmesan cheese
- Add a bit of the reserved water. You want everything to be silky smooth. You probably won't need all the water.
- Taste and add salt and pepper if neededsalt, pepper
- Top with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated parmesan1 teaspoon fresh parsley
Notes
- Use any type of pasta. I like to use spaghetti, but bowtie, fettuccine or orecchiette works too. Use what you have in your pantry.
- Freshly grated parmesan works best because it just melts right into the pasta
- Slowly add the pasta water. You will probably not need it all.
- Add freshly chopped parsley or other fresh herbs just before serving
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Cadi says
I am SO GLAD I found this! It is as delicious as it is simple. You have some FANTASTIC recipes... And I love the picture with the chicken!
Kathy says
Thanks so much! 🙂 I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe and I hope you explore all the others!
Teresa Clark says
I might add shrimp!
Kathy says
A perfect addition! Enjoy!!! 🙂
David @ Spiced says
Garlic butter makes everything better! This is such an easy and delicious recipe, and I know it would be well received in our house. Maybe even Robbie would eat this one...and he's the pickiest eater I've ever met!! Great idea, Kathy!
Kathy says
So simple, yet so delicious!