Garlic Butter Pasta

$- 8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference) - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of half a lemon The base of garlic butter pasta is simple. You need pasta, butter, and garlic. These three ingredients create a rich and tasty sauce. The butter adds creaminess, while garlic gives a punch of flavor. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty touch. - Extra lemon juice for brightness - A splash of white wine for depth - Chopped nuts for crunch - Fresh herbs like basil or thyme These optional ingredients can take your dish to the next level. Extra lemon juice brightens the dish. A splash of white wine adds depth. Chopped nuts give a nice crunch. Fresh herbs add more layers of flavor. - Spaghetti - Fettuccine - Linguine - Penne You can use any pasta you like. Spaghetti is classic and works great. Fettuccine holds the sauce well. Linguine adds a fun twist. Penne is good if you want something different. Choose what you enjoy most! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Make sure it bubbles well. Add 8 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Once done, drain the pasta and place it in a colander. In a big skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait until it bubbles. Now, add 6 finely minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir them for about 2 minutes. You want the garlic to turn golden and smell good. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic tastes bitter. Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir it for another 30 seconds. This will add a nice kick to the garlic butter. Gently add the drained pasta into the skillet. Toss it well to coat it in the garlic butter. If it seems too dry, pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will help achieve the right texture. Now, stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the zest of 1 lemon, and juice from half a lemon. Mix well to melt the cheese and blend all flavors together. Finally, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley on top. This adds a lovely color and freshness. Enjoy your delightful garlic butter pasta! To make the garlic butter shine, use fresh garlic. Fresh garlic gives a strong taste that dried garlic cannot match. Mince the garlic finely to release more flavor. Cook the garlic slowly to avoid burning. When garlic burns, it turns bitter and ruins the dish. Add red pepper flakes for a kick. Adjust the amount to suit your spice level. You can also add lemon zest for a bright touch. It adds freshness that balances the rich butter. Remember to taste as you cook. This ensures the flavors blend perfectly. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh for up to three days. Before sealing, let the pasta cool to room temperature. If you seal it hot, it may trap steam and spoil faster. When you're ready to eat, check for any signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks different, don’t eat it. You can reheat the pasta on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or extra butter to prevent it from drying out. Serve garlic butter pasta in a shallow bowl for a nice look. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesy boost. Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of flavor. For a zesty twist, add a lemon wedge on the side. This allows guests to squeeze fresh juice over their pasta. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. You could also add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. This makes the dish more filling and satisfying. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley will greatly enhance the flavor of your pasta. Opt for high-quality Parmesan cheese for a richer taste. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. You can also add a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth. Save the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta cooking water is starchy and helps to create a creamy sauce. Add it gradually to achieve the desired consistency. Enhance with Protein: For a heartier dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition. {{image_4}} You can easily boost your garlic butter pasta by adding protein. Chicken and shrimp work great. To add chicken, cook bite-sized pieces in the skillet until golden. For shrimp, toss them in when the garlic is fragrant. Cook until they turn pink and opaque. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your dish. If you want a veggie twist, try adding spinach or broccoli. For spinach, stir it in right after you add the pasta. It wilts quickly and adds color. Broccoli can be steamed or sautéed before mixing in. Both options make the meal more filling and nutritious. Herbs can elevate the taste of your pasta. Basil, thyme, or oregano all add depth. Mix in fresh herbs at the end for a bright flavor. If you want a bolder taste, try a sprinkle of dried herbs during cooking. This little change can transform your dish into something special. To store garlic butter pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any moisture, wipe it down before sealing. Reheat your garlic butter pasta on the stove for the best results. Add a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir gently until the pasta is warm. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. You can freeze garlic butter pasta, but it’s best to skip the cheese if you plan to freeze it. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to two months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little water for moisture. Garlic butter pasta lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. The flavors will meld and deepen over time. However, the pasta may become a bit softer. To keep it fresh, add a bit of olive oil before storing. Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Spaghetti is great, but try penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free options. Each type adds its own texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. If you want to skip the butter, use olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Olive oil gives a nice flavor and keeps it light. You can also try coconut oil for a hint of sweetness. Just remember, the taste will change a bit, but it will still be delicious! Garlic butter pasta is simple and tasty. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared easy ways to boost flavor and store leftovers. You can choose different pasta or add proteins and veggies. Remember, garlic butter pasta is versatile. Try new herbs to keep it exciting. Enjoying this dish can be easy and fun. Now, go cook and create your own version of garlic butter pasta!$

Indulge in this irresistible garlic butter pasta recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a delicious meal. This easy spaghetti with garlic is perfect for busy nights and can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. Try our creamy garlic pasta made with Parmesan and fresh lemon for a zesty twist. It's a simple garlic butter dish your family will love! Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight. #GarlicButterPasta #EasyCooking #PastaLovers #QuickRecipes

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Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of half a lemon

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.

Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a spacious skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is golden and fragrant. Exercise caution to prevent burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Add Spice: Incorporate the red pepper flakes into the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds. This will infuse the garlic butter with a delightful hint of heat.

Combine with Pasta: Gently add the drained pasta to the skillet, ensuring it gets thoroughly coated in the aromatic garlic butter. If the pasta appears too dry, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

Cheesy Finish: Mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir vigorously to ensure the cheese melts seamlessly into the pasta, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat, and season your dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the luscious pasta in a shallow bowl, generously topped with additional Parmesan cheese and a handful of parsley for a colorful accent. Enhance the dish by adding a lemon wedge on the side for an invigorating citrusy element!