Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce

Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce is one of those dishes that can turn an ordinary day into something special. Imagine the aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen as the butter melts into a quiet pool of flavor. This recipe takes just a handful of ingredients and transforms them into a dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s creamy, comforting, and honestly, just wonderful. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this pasta dish is here to save the day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. Plus, it’s a great way to impress your friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Pasta With Garlic Butter Sauce
• Ingredients
• Cooking the Spaghetti
• Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Sautéing the Aromatics
• Adding the Seasonings
• Incorporating Wine and Cream
• Thickening the Sauce
• Finishing Touches
• Garnishing
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce is a velvety dish that marries the rich flavors of butter and garlic, creating an indulgent experience. The simple elements shine through, allowing each ingredient to complement the others beautifully. While the creamy nature of this recipe cooks up easily, it also elevates the meal to a delightful dining experience that fits perfectly for both weeknights and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta With Garlic Butter Sauce

This dish is not just quick and easy to prepare; it delivers a comforting flavor that resonates with everyone. The creamy texture paired with a hint of spice from the red pepper flakes creates a delightful culinary experience that warms the soul. When you take that first bite, you’ll be thankful you chose this recipe. It feels like a cozy embrace in the form of pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ cup white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. This water is liquid gold when it comes to adjusting your sauce later on!

Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce

Next, let’s transition to the sauce. In a large skillet, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil and ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Take a moment to enjoy the sound as the butter begins to melt. It all comes together beautifully!

Sautéing the Aromatics

When the butter has fully melted, toss in 1 medium, chopped onion. Cook for 3-5 minutes until it softens up nicely to release its sweet flavor. Then, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves. The heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen, and after about 30 seconds, you’ll be ready for the next step.

Adding the Seasonings

Now it’s time to amp up those flavors! Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir, ensuring those tasty flavors meld together perfectly.

Incorporating Wine and Cream

Pour in ½ cup of white wine and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This will deglaze the pan, and you’ll notice the sauce gaining depth. Slowly stir in 1½ cups of heavy cream, and bring it to a gentle boil. The combination of flavors should be amazing already!

Thickening the Sauce

Next, add the reserved ½ cup of pasta water to the skillet. This step is crucial; it will help combine everything and add that desired creaminess to your sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency.

Finishing Touches

Once your sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smooth. This cheesy touch makes everything even more delectable. Toss the cooked spaghetti in the sauce until it’s evenly coated. You want every strand to embrace that glorious garlic butter sauce.

Garnishing

Serve your Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce warm. Don’t forget to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for that perfect pop of heat.

Serving Suggestions

To complement this rich and creamy dish, pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread. This creates a delightful balance. A light Chardonnay goes wonderfully with the flavors too!

Tips for Success

• For the best flavor, fresh garlic is a must.
• Consistently stir the sauce as it cooks to prevent it from sticking.
• If you want a thinner sauce, reserve more pasta water.

Variations

Feel free to experiment by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a fun twist. You can even substitute the pasta with gluten-free varieties if that suits your needs.

Storage Tips

Plan on saving leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, do so on low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened up too much.

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy this dish with a simple Arugula Salad or a classic Caesar Salad for added crunch. If you want to make it a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp works wonders alongside this pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you love, like fettuccine or penne.

2. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly! Just ensure the cheese is made with vegetarian-approved rennet.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish tastes best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce a few hours ahead and gently reheat before serving.

4. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap out regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

5. What if the sauce is too thick?
No worries! Just add a little reserved pasta water or more cream until reaching your desired consistency.

Indulging in Pasta with Garlic Butter Sauce is truly a delightful experience that marries ease of preparation with rich, comforting flavors. Its creamy texture and the aromatic burst of garlic can evoke fond memories and smiles gathered around the dinner table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a festive family gathering, this pasta will impress. Enjoy experimenting with variations to make it your own, and cherish every heavenly bite!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Tikka Masala with Spiced Meatballs
• Pan Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli
• Chicken Caesar Salad Dip
• Spring Pork Tenderloin

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