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For a tasty garlic butter pasta, you will need: - 400g spaghetti or linguine - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and black pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1/2 lemon These ingredients come together to create a rich, buttery sauce that wraps around the pasta perfectly. The garlic adds a nice aroma that makes your kitchen smell amazing. To enhance your garlic butter pasta, consider these optional ingredients: - Lemon zest and juice for brightness - Extra herbs like basil or thyme for depth - Toasted pine nuts for crunch - A splash of white wine for a more complex flavor Adding these extras can give your dish a unique twist and make it your own! Garlic butter pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Crusty garlic bread for a true garlic lover's feast - Grilled vegetables for a colorful plate - A light soup like minestrone or tomato basil These sides balance the richness of the pasta and make for a complete meal. Enjoy your cooking! To start, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water. The salt helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add 400g of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, save 1 cup of the water. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick. After saving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, you will make the garlic butter sauce. In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Stir this mixture for about 1 to 2 minutes. The garlic should smell nice and turn a light golden color. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Now it is time to mix the pasta and sauce. Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss the pasta well so that it is fully coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. Do this a little at a time until the sauce reaches the thickness you like. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, the zest of 1 lemon, and the juice of 1/2 lemon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until it is well mixed. Your garlic butter pasta is ready to serve! To boost the flavor of garlic butter pasta, use fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic gives a stronger taste than dried. Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a pop of flavor. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon juice for brightness. For extra richness, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top. A dash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. Finally, consider using flavored olive oil when cooking the pasta. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always cook it until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and helps it hold sauce better. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Avoid burning the garlic; sauté it just until fragrant. Burning makes it bitter. Lastly, don't skip seasoning. Salt enhances the dish, so taste as you go. Start with a large pot of boiling salted water. Use at least 4-6 quarts for 400g of pasta. This prevents sticking. Stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. Follow the package instructions for timing. Always taste the pasta a minute before the end time. Once done, reserve some cooking water before draining. This water is gold for adjusting sauce thickness. Rinse the pasta only if you plan to use it in a cold dish. {{image_2}} You can boost your garlic butter pasta by adding protein. Chicken works well here. Just cook diced chicken in the skillet before adding the garlic. Shrimp is another great option. Sauté shrimp until pink, then add the garlic. If you prefer a plant-based choice, use tofu. Press and cube the tofu, then fry it until golden. This gives you a hearty and filling meal. To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the meat. You can add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers. For a vegan version, swap the butter for plant-based butter. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor. This makes the dish creamy and rich without any animal products. Try adding fresh herbs to change the flavor. Basil or thyme can add a fresh taste. You can also sprinkle in some fresh lemon zest for brightness. If you like heat, consider more red pepper flakes or even some chili oil. Combining flavors can make your garlic butter pasta even more exciting! To keep your garlic butter pasta fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a good option. To freeze your garlic butter pasta, first cool it completely. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime. When reheating, use a skillet for best taste. Add a splash of water or broth. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat over low to medium heat. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Cover it to keep moisture in. Enjoy your garlic butter pasta just as good as fresh! Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Spaghetti and linguine work well, but you can try penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta. Each type brings a different texture. Just make sure to cook it as directed on the package. This way, you keep the pasta al dente. To prevent garlic from burning, keep the heat low to medium. Garlic cooks fast, so watch it closely. Stir it often to ensure even cooking. If it turns too brown, it can taste bitter. If you notice it starting to change color, remove it from the heat. You can make garlic butter pasta gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options like rice or corn-based pasta. Just be sure to check the package for cooking times since they may differ. The garlic butter sauce is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy the flavor without worry. Garlic butter pasta is simple yet full of flavor. You learned the key ingredients and how to cook them. The steps to make the sauce and combine it with pasta are easy to follow. Tips help you avoid mistakes and enhance taste. Variations let you add protein or adapt for diets. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh and tasty. Enjoy trying this dish, knowing you can tweak it as you like. Garlic butter pasta is a fun and delicious meal for everyone.

Garlic Butter Pasta

Indulge in the simplicity of Garlic Butter Pasta Delight that’s ready in just 20 minutes! This quick and flavorful dish combines al dente pasta with a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home. Click through now to discover the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delicious meal that everyone will adore!
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Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti or linguine

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.

      Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the garlic butter sauce.

        Adjust Consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

          Season and Finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well mixed.

            Serve: Divide the pasta among plates, and garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley if desired.

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