Description
A creamy and flavorful Garlic Butter Pasta recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes. This dish features tender pasta tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup broth (chicken or vegetable)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/3 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh-ground black pepper, to taste
- Sprinkling of parsley (dried or fresh)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a generous pinch of kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the garlic butter sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the sauce to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice if using, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce and serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every strand with the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle with parsley for color and freshness, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use pasta shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine for the best coating with the sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level or omit for no heat.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides more flavor than pre-grated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous note.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
