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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 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
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
 

  1. Cook Pasta – Bring a pot of salted water to boil, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. 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.
  3. Combine – Toss cooked pasta in the skillet with garlic butter sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to coat evenly.
  4. Finish – Stir in Parmesan cheese, parsley, and lemon juice if using. Season with salt and black pepper.
  5. Serve – Plate warm and garnish with extra Parmesan or parsley.

Notes

💡 Tips

  • Avoid burning garlic — sauté gently.
  • Add shrimp, chicken, or roasted veggies for variety.
  • Use high-quality butter for best flavor.

🍽 Serving Ideas

  • Serve with garlic bread or focaccia.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad.
  • Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine.