What makes pasta with garlic butter a good choice?
You will love how fast you can make Pasta with Garlic Butter from scratch. The ingredients are affordable and easy to find in any local supermarket. It is a versatile base that you can customise with extra vegetables or protein if you wish. The gentle heat of the garlic brings out the creamy texture of the melted butter.
Follow these 4 steps for pasta with garlic butter
Boil pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions. Make sure the pasta is firm to the bite before draining it. Keep a small amount of the cooking water aside for later.
Prepare garlic: While the pasta boils, peel and mince the garlic cloves using a press or a sharp knife. Place a small pan over medium heat and add the butter and olive oil together. Let the butter melt slowly until it begins to bubble slightly. Add the minced garlic to the pan and fry it for about one minute until it smells fragrant but does not turn brown.
Combine ingredients: Drain the pasta and return it to the large pot. Pour the garlic butter mixture over the hot pasta and toss everything together well. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. The water helps create a silky texture that sticks to the pasta.
Season and serve: Grate the parmesan cheese and chop the fresh parsley finely. Sprinkle these over the pasta along with a little black pepper. Toss one last time to mix the cheese and herbs through. Serve the Pasta with Garlic Butter immediately in warm bowls.
Important tips for pasta with garlic butter
Using a mix of butter and olive oil prevents the butter from burning too quickly in the pan. Make sure you do not overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter if it turns dark brown. You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to cut through the richness of the butter. If you want a bit of spice, a pinch of dried chilli flakes added with the garlic works very well. Always use fresh garlic rather than the jarred version for the best flavour in your Pasta with Garlic Butter. This dish is best eaten immediately while the butter is still melted and glossy.
Storing leftovers is easy in an airtight container, but you may need to add a tiny bit of water when reheating to loosen the sauce. Freshly grated parmesan provides a much better flavour and texture than the pre-grated variety found in packets.
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