When it comes to weeknight dinners, sometimes the simplest recipes deliver the biggest rewards. This Garlic Butter Pasta is one of those magical dishes. With only a handful of pantry staples and less than 20 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a plate of pasta that’s creamy, garlicky, and downright comforting. It’s a recipe that looks and tastes sophisticated yet is easy enough for even beginner cooks.
I first learned the art of garlic butter pasta from my grandmother, who would always say, “Good pasta doesn’t need much—just butter, garlic, and love.” Her version was rustic and purely butter-based, but over the years, I’ve elevated the dish with a touch of tomato paste, chicken stock, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The result is a pasta that’s rich yet bright, with the perfect balance of garlicky warmth and cheesy indulgence.
This dish has become my go-to comfort meal for busy evenings, lazy Sundays, or even late-night cravings. It’s quick, versatile, and endlessly customizable—whether you enjoy it as a light main course or dress it up with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe worth bookmarking and making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one is a keeper. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Fast and Fuss-Free – Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Pantry-Friendly – Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- Comfort Food at Its Best – Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor.
- Versatile and Customizable – Easy to adapt with proteins, veggies, or spice.
- Beginner-Friendly – Foolproof and approachable for new cooks.
Ingredients (Serves 1–2)
- 200g pasta (7.1 oz)
- 25g salted butter (1 tbsp + 2 tsp), divided
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 150ml chicken stock (½ cup + 2 tbsp)
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp red chili flakes
- ¼ tsp mixed herbs
- 10g grated Parmesan cheese (about ⅛ cup), plus extra for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water with a splash of oil to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente—firm yet tender with a little bite. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the starchy pasta water.
2. Build the Garlic Butter Base
In a large skillet, melt 15g (1 tbsp) butter over low-medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute, until lightly golden and fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
3. Add Tomato Paste and Stock
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, then add the black pepper, red chili flakes, and mixed herbs. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
4. Toss the Pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated. Allow the pasta to simmer for 1 minute over medium-high heat to soak up the flavors.
5. Finish with Butter and Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 10g (2 tsp) butter and the Parmesan cheese until they melt into the sauce, creating a silky finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Plate the pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended—pasta loses texture when frozen.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta
- Use Fresh Garlic – Fresh cloves deliver the best flavor, far superior to pre-minced garlic.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta – Always aim for al dente; it holds up better when tossed in sauce.
- Balance Butter and Stock – The butter adds richness, while the stock keeps the sauce light.
- Grate Parmesan Fresh – Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly and lacks flavor depth.
- Adjust Heat Level – Add more or fewer chili flakes to suit your spice preference.
Delicious Variations
This recipe is a great canvas for creativity. Try one of these variations:
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Add sautéed shrimp for a protein boost.
- Chicken Garlic Butter Pasta – Toss in grilled chicken breast or thigh strips.
- Veggie Lover’s Pasta – Stir in spinach, roasted bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Cheesy Twist – Mix in extra Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even a touch of cream cheese.
- Spicy Garlic Pasta – Use extra chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Pasta
This pasta can stand alone as a satisfying main, but it also pairs beautifully with sides and accompaniments:
- Garlic Bread – Double the garlic goodness.
- Crisp Green Salad – Light and refreshing to balance the richness.
- Grilled Vegetables – Zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers work wonderfully.
- Wine Pairing – A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the garlic butter sauce perfectly.
FAQ About Garlic Butter Pasta
1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth.
2. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely—spaghetti, linguine, penne, or rigatoni all work beautifully.
3. How do I make this vegan?
Swap butter with vegan butter and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
4. Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Yes—chicken, shrimp, pancetta, or even tofu are excellent additions.
5. Why did my sauce turn out too thin?
Simmer the sauce a little longer, or stir in more Parmesan to thicken.
Wrapping It Up
This Garlic Butter Pasta is the definition of simple elegance. With just a few ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a bowl of pasta that’s rich, garlicky, and full of flavor. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable, making it a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight, treating yourself to a cozy dinner, or impressing guests with a quick yet sophisticated meal, this pasta proves that sometimes less really is more. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and pure comfort—everything you could want in a pasta dish.
The Goods
Garlic Butter Pasta
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Recipes
- 200 g pasta 7.1 oz
- 25 g salted butter 1 tbsp + 2 tsp, divided
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 150 ml chicken stock ½ cup + 2 tbsp
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp red chili flakes
- ¼ tsp mixed herbs
- 10 g grated Parmesan cheese about ⅛ cup, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water with a splash of oil to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente—firm yet tender with a little bite. Drain and set aside, reserving some of the starchy pasta water.
Build the Garlic Butter Base
- In a large skillet, melt 15g (1 tbsp) butter over low-medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute, until lightly golden and fragrant. Take care not to burn the garlic, as it can quickly turn bitter.
Add Tomato Paste and Stock
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, then add the black pepper, red chili flakes, and mixed herbs. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Toss the Pasta
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until each piece is evenly coated. Allow the pasta to simmer for 1 minute over medium-high heat to soak up the flavors.
Finish with Butter and Cheese
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 10g (2 tsp) butter and the Parmesan cheese until they melt into the sauce, creating a silky finish.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
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