When it comes to comfort food, pasta never disappoints. But what truly makes a pasta dish shine is the sauce — and nothing beats the rich, velvety taste of a garlic butter sauce for pasta.

This classic sauce is quick to make, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to complement a wide range of pasta shapes and add-ins.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or an elegant date-night meal, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Sauce

Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with pantry staples.
Rich Flavor – The combination of butter and garlic creates a savory base that feels indulgent yet simple.
Versatile – Perfect on its own with pasta, or enhanced with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables.
Customizable – Add Parmesan, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, or fresh herbs to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a delicious garlic butter sauce for pasta, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients:

8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for richness)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon (optional for brightness)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in red pepper flakes (if using).

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce.
Toss well to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Add Finishing Touches

Mix in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice (if desired).
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve Immediately

Plate the pasta warm and garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Pasta

Don’t burn the garlic – It turns bitter quickly, so sauté it gently.
Use good butter – High-quality butter enhances the richness of the sauce.
Save pasta water – It helps bind the sauce and pasta together beautifully.
Upgrade it – Add sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables to make it a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic butter sauce for pasta pairs perfectly with:

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A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or focaccia
A glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay

Final Thoughts

A homemade garlic butter sauce for pasta is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.

With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor.

Whether enjoyed on its own or with your favorite add-ins, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Garlic Butter Sauce For Pasta

A quick and flavorful pasta recipe featuring a rich garlic butter sauce that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 3

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

8 oz 225g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic finely minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese optional
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Juice of ½ lemon optional

Method

Cook Pasta – Bring a pot of salted water to boil, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Make Garlic Butter Sauce – In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown). Stir in red pepper flakes if desired.
Combine – Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to coat evenly.
Finish – Stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice if using. Season with salt and black pepper.
Serve – Plate warm and garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley.