Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 2-3
When simplicity meets flavor, you get this Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta—the ultimate comfort food made with minimal ingredients. 🍝✨ Perfect for tight budgets and busy days, this dish requires just a handful of pantry staples: pasta, butter, garlic, and a splash of cream or milk. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s rich, comforting, and proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
🔥 Core Ingredients:
☑ 200g (7 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice) 🍝
☑ 4 tablespoons🥄 butter 🧈
☑ 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
☑ ½ cup milk or cream (dairy or plant-based) 🥛
☑ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor) 🧀
☑ Salt & black pepper to taste 🧂
🔥 Optional Add-ins:
☑ Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish 🌿
☑ Red chili flakes for a spicy kick 🌶️
☑ Lemon zest or juice for added brightness 🍋
☑ Frozen peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies 🍄
👨🍳 Cooking Steps
🍝 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1️⃣ Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2️⃣ Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
🧄 Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
1️⃣ In the same pot or a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2️⃣ Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes (be careful not to burn it!).
🥛 Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
1️⃣ Pour in the milk or cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter.
2️⃣ Add the Parmesan cheese (if using), and season with salt and black pepper.
3️⃣ Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
🍝 Step 4: Combine the Pasta
1️⃣ Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat.
2️⃣ If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
🌿 Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
1️⃣ Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a dash of red chili flakes if desired.
2️⃣ Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly comforting—this Garlic Butter Pasta proves that simple ingredients can create restaurant-worthy flavor on a budget. 🍝🧄
